Sec. of State candidate ‘Doc’ Severson can’t use nickname on ballot

Rep. Dan Severson at Day of Prayer rally

GOP candidate for Secretary of State Dan Severson will not be allowed to use the nickname “Doc” Severson on the ballot in November, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled on Monday. Severson hadn’t used the nickname — which he said stems from his days in the Navy — in any of his previous campaigns for office. DFL activists had filed the lawsuit to prevent Severson from using the nickname, which sounds very similar to former Tonight Show musician Doc Severinsen.

Severson told the Star Tribune, “It’s not a big deal. It was kind of anticipated.”

A four-term state legislator, Severson is a strong proponent of Christian principles in government and has taken a lead position in passing a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.