Rep. Mary Franson offered her third apology but says she won't step down after posting a YouTube video that sparked an outcry from liberal groups. In the video, Franson says it's ironic that a federal program is proud to distribute its greatest ever number of food stamps while the park service is asking us "to pelase not feed the animals, because the animals might grow dependent and not learn to take care of themselves."

State Rep. Mary Franson told Forum Communications she has received death threats, demands to resign and other attacks after comparing welfare recipients to animals on a YouTube video last March. The first-term Republican lawmaker also indicated it wasn't just Democrats who have criticized her comments.

Alexandria Republican Mary Franson used Twitter to express her revulsion to a prayer in front of the Minnesota House. Franson says the House chaplain's mention of Earth Day 'may as well been dedicated to 'Mother Earth.' Franson says Earth Day is a Pagan holiday.

State GOP lawmaker Mary Franson, who represents Minnesota House District 8B, appears to have won by a single vote in her race with DFLer Bob Cunniff of Alexandria. The final tally: 10,652 to 10,651.

Carlton County Attorney Thom Pertler apologized to his family, colleagues and constituents for a drunken driving incident. He's been in an inpatient treatment program at Hazelden Treatment Center in Center City, Minn., for the past month. He's back at work this week. Pertler is scheduled to make his first appearance in St. Louis County Court on the charges against him in early September.