Mark Olson won a hefty 2 to 1 victory at the August 7th convention. His endorsement was the decision of the delegates and alternates at that convention, and no one else’s. He enjoyed very strong and encouraging support.
These continued attacks on Olson’s family issues from so long ago are most unfortunate. I think most couples go through tough times where both partners need to work hard to fix things that aren’t working. Those who don’t work at it will likely get divorced. It is certainly bad enough when it happens to us privately, but to have it made so public and have both your names dragged by a liberal-biased media through the mud would be too terrible for me to imagine. Mark and Heidi Olson have survived a great challenge to their faith and to their marriage. They have worked hard to put things back together and reconcile themselves with each other and God. I find that admirable, especially when so many viciously encouraged a bitter divorce.
What’s more, his entire case has been grossly mischaracterized by the main-line liberal media and evidently continued by blogs such as yours. The law in these “domestic assault” cases seems very much to ensure bitter confrontation and divorce. Mark Olson was lied to and mistreated by a system which currently seeks to shred families to ribbons in court proceedings designed to do just that. As was noted, Olson was acquitted of charges to inflict death or even harm to a charge of “intent to cause fear.” My understanding is that it was intent to cause fear in double jeopardy (I’ll find out) which if challenged and brought to higher courts would no-doubt be thrown-out. Olson decided not to pursue such a course. I cannot speak as to his motivations, but the shear cost of clearing his name would have been great and the restoration of his marriage was at the top of the list of priorities.
I found it interesting how the State Party (specifically the House caucus folks) threw him under the bus way before a verdict was ever found. He was and has continued to be neglected by the party (perhaps that will now change since he is endorsed) when there was little reason to do so save that it looked bad. The lack of party support may have had more to do with Olson’s refusal to march lock-step with the party “high command.” I think they had had it with one of the most conservative and competent public servants in the entire state. One thing is for certain: he is in no way the “establishment candidate.” The GOP St Paul folks no doubt dreaded to hear that he won the endorsement. They don’t seem to be too terribly fond of conservatives you know.
Mark Olson has the support of all conservatives and citizens who want to see less corruption of the system and more focus on the issues. His family issues should have never been brought to court, and he should have been acquitted of all charges. He reconciled his marriage. He apologized humbly to his district, party, and citizens. He did all of this while being constantly painted in malice as an abusive wife beater. He is no such thing. Instead, he is a man of gentle humility, patience, and servanthood, dedicated to God and his family above all. There is no better representative a district could ask for, and a great many are thrilled that he will now be going to the senate to bat for them and the issues we all care about so much.
I am surprised so many are still hung-up on what should no longer be an issue. Mark Olson is ready to run, Heidi supports him 110%, and he is as qualified as possible to do the job. If you are concerned about having him punished for the distraction the issues created, I can assure you his situation has caused more than enough pain as is. The deceptive people working his case through the legal system, the state party, and the media are as much to blame for the distraction as Mark Olson himself. This man deserves a second chance, and the people of SD16 seem to be enthusiastic to give him that chance. What better candidate could we ask for to fill Betsy Wergin’s vacant seat in SD16?
For many years, Rep. Mark Olson has lectured legislators about ethics, character and morality. Rep. Mark Olson has hoisted himself on his own petard.
I don't give a rat's ass about other people's marital problems. It's their business unless they stick their noses in other people's business... Need I point out that Olson was a a sponsor of the so-called "Marriage Amendment"?
Rather than argue the issue further, I present two pieces of evidence; Olson's campaign literature on the issue of holding legislators to a high standard and Heidi Olson's own words at Rep. Mark Olson's sentencing:
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