Radio Show Host Lewis Enters Minnesota Congressional Race

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Conservative talk radio show host Jason Lewis joined the race Monday for an up-for-grabs Minnesota congressional seat with a video promoting smaller government and relaxed regulations.

Lewis said that after talking about public policy for decades, "now I'm ready to make it." He is among a batch of candidates seeking the 2nd Congressional District seat that Republican U.S. Rep. John Kline will give up after 2016.

Known for jabbing members of both parties, Lewis doesn't reveal in his kickoff video if he'll vie for the GOP endorsement or head to a primary no matter what. He didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.

"I'll put principle ahead of party and politics," he said in the video.

Lewis rails in the announcement against "establishment politicians in both parties" and "backroom deals" in Washington. If elected, he said he'll strive to cut federal spending across the board and reduce government regulations.

Lewis lost a prior bid for Congress in 1990 while living in Colorado. Later, he gained a following in Minnesota as "Mr. Right" of the airwaves and was frequently courted to seek office.

Others in the race so far are Republicans David Gerson, Pam Myhra and John Howe, and Democrats Angie Craig and Mary Lawrence.

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