Long time State Representative Jim Knoblach, a Saint Cloud Republican, is dropping his bid for re-election after allegations by his daughter have re-emerged that he molested her beginning as a child. Knoblach says his daughter has been estranged from the family for some time and her allegations are untrue, were fully investigated by Sherburne County officials, dismissed, and the case closed in April 2017. Knoblach says he could fight on to defend his reputation before the November election but “this would entail subjecting my wife, son, and elderly parents, as well as my daughter, to six weeks of extreme stress and scrutiny.”