HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 22-year-old Hutchinson man who ran against Jan Pauls for her legislative entered pleas to two misdemeanor charges Friday morning.

Dakota Bass was arrested in the 200 block of East 10th, after he allegedly threatened 36-year-old Richard Steckly with a handgun back on January 20. He was charged with a single count of aggravated assault, but entered a guilty plea to simple assault and criminal trespass. He was then sentenced by Judge Tim Chambers to 12-months probation. He also forfeited the gun he used to law enforcement according to Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell. .

Bass ran against Paul’s as a liberal Republican back in November of 2012, but lost to her in the general election by a nearly 66% to 34% margin. Paul’s was a conservative Democrat who angered some on the left over her opposition to gays. She has switched party affiliations Friday and is now a Republican Representative.

Again, Bass was granted 12-months probation.