DFL Rep. Lesch Released From National Guard Duty

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota state representative has gotten a pass on National Guard duty that would have required him to miss the rest of the legislative session.

Rep. John Lesch, a Democrat from St. Paul, had been summoned to Camp Ripley for training. But House DFL spokesman Mike Howard said Lesch had requested and been granted a release.

Lesch's return simplifies things for Democrats as they seek to pass a borrowing bill for construction projects around the state. The party now needs just eight GOP votes for the necessary supermajority if Democrats stick together.

Lesch enlisted in the National Guard during fall 2009. He also missed a part of the 2010 legislative session while training at Fort Benning in Georgia.