Lonsdale man launches bid for state GOP chair

Bill Paulsen of Lonsdale has announced his candidacy as state party chairman for the Republican Party.

Paulsen, a delegate to the 2012 Republican National Convention and state representative to its controversial Rules Committee, announced his intentions to run Wednesday, Jan. 30.

“I come to you as a strong advocate for states’ rights and grassroots activism. As the party of limited government, I believe the strength of the GOP is our grassroots organization. The thousands of volunteer activists across Minnesota will determine the future success of our party.

Paulsen is a senior staff engineer at Seagate Technology.

Current Minnesota GOP Chairman Pat Shortridge has announced his plans to step down from the position when his term ends in April 2013. The new MNGOP chair will be elected during the Republican State Central Committee Convention in April.