Borene withdraws from SD41 race

September 7th, 2006

Andrew Borene has withdrawn from the SD 41 race and said, “I believe I am an alcoholic and am seeking treatment for my disease.” Good place to start. It’ll be a lifelong road…

And what about this SD41 race?

The question of the day: Can the DFL sit back and not select a Yellow Dog to jump in the race, and let folks get behind Julie Risser, the progressive candidate in the SD 41 race, and win this district? She’s been getting a good reception doorknocking and at events, has some good endorsements — she knows her issues, knows the district, knows they’re ready for change, and is just what they’re looking for! This is a winnable district!
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Candidate Borene withdraws from SD41 race


State Senate candidate Andrew Borene announced Thursday afternoon that he is withdrawing from the District 41 race and will seek treatment for alcoholism.

The DFL-endorsed candidate’s move comes in the wake of the arrest by Edina police of his wife, Britta Borene, who was taken into custody early Tuesday, Sept. 5.

“I am withdrawing from the race,” he said by phone Thursday. “I believe I am an alcoholic…. I am in the process of seeking treatment for my disease.

“I have been hurting people I love,” said Borene, who would not elaborate.

“What I would ask, as a human being, is that my wife not be punished for my disease,” he said. “I think this is a personal matter.”

Borene issued a statement Thursday afternoon announcing his withdrawal.

“Today I am formally withdrawing from the Minnesota Senate race in District 41, which includes Edina and west Bloomington,” he said in a written statement.

The statement continued:

“With the assistance of professionals, I have concluded that I am chemically dependent and will enter treatment for my alcohol dependency,” Borene said. “That dependency has hurt those whom I love, including my wife and our children.

“Recent events have convinced me that I cannot pursue my commitment to public service, make progress in recovery, while tending to the needs of my family.

“For my actions, which I deeply regret, I apologize to my amazing wife, Britta, my family, my friends’ and the citizens of District 41. While my withdrawal is necessary, I apologize also to the many good people who have stood by me, generously contributing their time and talents. I especially wish to thank for their understanding and support Congressman Jim Ramstad and Sen. Dean Johnson.”

The announcement came two days after Britta Borene was arrested in connection with an alleged domestic assault case.

Edina Police Chief Mike Siitari said the Sept. 5 incident remains under investigation. He said additional charges are possible and that Andrew Borene may also be charged with fifth-degree misdemeanor assault.

Police were sent to the Borene home just before 12:30 a.m. after Andrew Borene called 911, Siitari said.

“Mr. Borene called stating he needed help in a dispute with his wife,” Siitari said.

The couple was separated and officers took statements from each of them, he said.

“Enough evidence was developed at that time to place Mrs. Borene under arrest,” Siitari said.

Officers observed that Andrew Borene had scratches on his back, abdomen and wrist, according to Siitari. Britta Borene had no obvious injuries.

Police Department records show no similar calls to the Borene home in recent years, Siitari said.

Britta Borene was taken into custody by Edina police and booked into the Hennepin County jail just after 3 a.m. Sept. 5, according to Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department records.

She was released about 8 a.m. the same day after posting $2,400 bond, according to sheriff’s records.

Britta Borene was issued a citation for fifth-degree assault, a misdemeanor. She made an initial appearance in Hennepin District Court on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

DFL Party leaders were still considering options late Thursday but Borene’s name will remain on the Nov. 7 general election ballot.

Under state law, legislative candidates must withdraw from campaigns by July 20 in order to have their name removed from the ballot, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office.

“He will remain on the ballot but he is suspending his campaign,” said Jennifer McIntosh, communications director for the state DFL Party. “He is no longer campaigning for the District 41 seat.”

She said it is unlikely that the party will launch a write-in campaign for another DFLer.

Even so, party leaders are still considering their response, she said.

“We’ve only known about this for a matter of hours. We certainly haven’t finished” talking over options, she said.

The field for the District 41 seat includes incumbent Sen. Geoff Michel, R-Edina, and Green Party candidate Julie Risser of Edina.

		

2 Responses to “Borene withdraws from SD41 race”

  1. Get Over Yourself Says:

    So was the Cox seat, but you sure managed to screw it up with Bly.

    Some compassion…

  2. Carol Says:

    Sounds like anger and shame talking. The signs were there. We play the hands we’re dealt. We learn to recognize patterns. We each do our own inventory…

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