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Contender for state GOP boss arrested over car tax

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Dec 16, 2011 at 11:05 am

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A Minnesota business executive who is a contender for state Republican Party chairman is reevaluating his bid for the post after an arrest on a charge of evading motor vehicle registration taxes.

Brandon Sawalich said Friday that he doesn't want Thursday's arrest to become a distraction for the party. He says he cooperated with airport police who detained him. He says his wife has since updated the truck registration, which had expired at the end of June.

The charge is a gross misdemeanor.

Sawalich is a favorite to replace Tony Sutton, who resigned his GOP post abruptly this month. Another candidate, former state Rep. Mike Osskopp, entered the race Thursday night. The party will choose the replacement on Dec. 31 in St. Cloud.

Sawalich was released on his own recognizance.