A Republican Minnesota state senate candidate was previously charged with domestic assault after his ex-fiancée claimed he slammed a car door on her legs and strangled her, records show.
Aaron Brutger, 42, is the GOP-endorsed candidate for the Minnesota Senate District 13 seat. Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail revealed that in 2009, when Brutger was 26, he was arrested for allegedly attacking his ex, identified in the filing by the initials APK.
Police were called to the couple's home for a domestic assault report shortly before 8 am on December 30, 2009. The two allegedly argued earlier that morning, and the woman told police Brutger followed her after she went to her car. She said she was sitting in the vehicle with her legs hanging out when Brutger allegedly slammed the car door into her legs, causing her pain. According to the court document, Brutger then grabbed her, pulled her out of the car, and directed her back into the residence. Once inside, he got behind her, put his arm around her throat, and applied pressure, causing her to lose consciousness.
Brutger was charged with domestic assault for the incident but took a plea deal for disorderly conduct in March 2010. He received a suspended 90-day sentence, which would be dropped on the condition that he remain law-abiding for a year, which he did, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported. He was also ordered to pay a $50 fine and receive counseling.
Brutger first addressed the case in a Facebook post in March, stating that the experience led him to get involved in politics. He acknowledged his arrest and felony charges, all of which were dropped, and he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. He paid a $50 fine, moved forward, and fought for custody of his children, gaining full custody in 2011. Brutger added that being thrown into the court system made him realize the need for criminal justice reform and changes to custody laws in the state. He described the situation as an incredibly difficult and painful chapter for his family.
Court records from the custody battle indicate Brutger never married his ex, with whom he shares two children. According to his campaign website, he is now married to another woman and has two additional children, describing himself as a father of four. He works as the Director of Product and Technology for BB Wheels/Outdoorica in Albany and has been involved with the Republican Party in the district since 2012. His website states he is a constitutional conservative who believes in fiscal responsibility and limited government, enjoying fishing, hunting, and the outdoors.
The Daily Mail contacted Brutger and the Minnesota GOP for comment. Brutger is running to fill the state senate seat for retiring Republican State Senator Jeff Howe. He faces candidate Kelly Martini for the Republican primary on August 11, with the winner going on to face Democrat Trent Dilks in the general election on November 3.
