Wardere withdraws bid for Kline’s seat

The congressional race in Minnesota’s Second District just got a little smaller.

Faribault resident Mahamoud Wardere withdrew his bid for Republican incumbent John Kline’s seat.

The state GOP convention is Thursday in St. Paul. Kline will seek the nomination for his fifth term in office.

“I will focus on my after-school program that’s going well in Faribault,” Wardere said in a statement.

“Together with Buckham Library and So How are the Children (SHAC), and students from Carleton College in Northfield, we’re bringing forces together for a good cause — to help refugee students succeed,” he said.

“While I like serving the public, I believe (the) Uplift program is the best place where I can make a difference, and where I can touch a student’s life.”

The decision took him a while, said Wardere, an immigrant from Somalia. He spent six years working in St. Paul as a community liaison for former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, where he learned the political ropes.

Wardere believes his future holds true to his former campaign slogan, which was to unite the country and pass peace and prosperity to our children and grandchildren.

“I can see many doctors, teachers and engineers of tomorrow in Faribault schools,” Wardere said, “so I think this is where my energy can be utilized the most now.”

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Source: Faribault.com — Staff writer Kay Fate may be reached at 333-3128.