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"I have decided to run for the Minnesota Legislator not because I have all the answers but for the most simple and basic reason of all. I have come to a time in my life when I feel compelled to participate and to serve my fellow man in our form of government, in this, the greatest country on earth," said Ellering. "I will make only one promise and that is I will fight for the good people of central Minnesota."

Ellering's priorities are helping school funding problems, giving hard-working families a fair and equal share of the state's tax money, and making sure the contributions of senior citizens to our society aren't forgotten.

District 13A is comprised of the northern half of Kandiyohi County, the western half of Stearns County, and all of Pope County. Included in 13A are Roseville Township, the city of Regal, Irving Township, Lake Henry Township, the city of Lake Henry, Spring Hill Township, and the city of Spring Hill.

The District 13A House seat is open, with no incumbent running. Bruce Schuck, a Kandiyohi County Commissioner from Sunburg, has been endorsed by the DFL, and Bud Heidgerken, a city council member and businessman from Freeport, has been endorsed by the Republicans.

Ellering was born in Melrose and attended Melrose High School. He graduated from South Dakota State University, where he studied agriculture business.

In college, Ellering established a world record in weight lifting and became a national champion. He used that to get his start in professional wrestling, which he did for 25 years.

Since then, Ellering has owned a health club and he currently owns a dog kennel, where he trains sled dogs. Ellering competed in the Iditarod, an endurance sled dog race in 2000. He has three children.