Rick Nolan‚ ex-congressman from Minnesota died at his Nisswa home at 80 (his wife Mary said) Heart problems were the cause and paramedics couldnt revive him. Nolan was active till the end campaigning for Democratic candidates on the Iron Range just last week
Nolan served in Congress twice: first elected to the 6th District about 50 years ago serving three terms‚ then returning to the 8th District roughly 12 years ago. He won tight races including one about 8 years ago despite Donald Trumps popularity in the district
After retiring from Congress around 6 years ago Nolan ran as Lori Swansons running mate in the governor race. They lost the Democratic primary to current Gov Tim Walz who said Nolans “speeches could blow the lid off the roof“
With his thunderous voice and passion for the people‚ Rick was a one-of-a-kind leader
Ken Martin‚ state chair of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party called Nolan “a champion for the Northland who fought fiercely to protect working people from corporate interests“ Betty McCollum‚ dean of the states congressional delegation remembered Nolan as “a committed public servant who loved the Northland“ — mentioning his hot dish competition where he shared:
- sap that he harvested
- venison that he hunted
- wild rice that he gathered with his own hands
Nolan was known for his outdoor enthusiasm advocacy for labor and deep connection to Minnesotas Northland. Funeral arrangements are pending