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2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota

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Map of Minnesota showing all eight districts

The 2008 Minnesota U.S. House of Representatives elections will take place on November 4, 2008. All 8 congressional seats that make up the state's delegation will be contested. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th United States Congress from January 4, 2009 until January 3, 2011.

The 2008 Presidential election, 2008 Senate election (for the seat held by Republican, Norm Coleman), and 2008 Minnesota Legislature elections will occur on the same date, as well as many local elections and ballot initiatives.

The races not forecast as safe for the incumbent party are those in districts 1, 2, 3 and 6.

Current Delegation Facts

The 110th congressional delegation from the U.S. state of Minnesota has 3 Republicans and 5 Democratic Farmer Labor Party members (DFLers). Six are men; 2 are women. Three were freshman in the 110th congress. The veterans range in experience from Jim Oberstar with 32 years of experience and the chairman of the Transporatation Committee to John Kline with just four years of experience.

District 1

See also: Minnesota's 1st congressional district

This district extends across southern Minnesota from the border with South Dakota to the border of Wisconsin. DFLer Tim Walz defeated 6-term veteran Republican Gil Gutknecht in 2006 in somewhat of a surprise victory. Walz had no opponent in the race for the DFL nomination for the seat in the September 12, 2006 primary election. He beat incumbent Republican Gil Gutknecht in the general election by a margin of 53% to 47%. The popular Walz is a former teacher and Command Sergeant Major in the National Guard.[1] The district is rated as an R+1 on the CPVI scale.[2] Incumbent Tim Walz will be opposed by Brian Davis, a Mayo Clinic physician, who is endorsed by the CD1 Republican Party. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Leans Democratic'.

District 2

See also: Minnesota's 2nd congressional district

This district spans the width of the entire southern metro area and contains all of Carver, Scott, Le Sueur, Goodhue and Rice Counties and most of Dakota County. Republican John Kline held on to the second district seat in 2006, defeating DFL challenger, former FBI agent, Coleen Rowley. Although the district leans Republican with a CPVI of R+3,[2] Kline's unwavering support for Bush and the Iraq War may make him vulnerable to a challenger in 2008.[3] On October 4, 2007, Iraq War veteran Steve Sarvi announced that he plans to challenge Kline for the seat. His experience also includes being mayor of Watertown, Minnesota and city administrator for Victoria, Minnesota. He believes that a change in U.S. policy in Iraq is needed.[4] On May 3, Sarvi was endorsed by the 2nd District DFL party for this seat.[5] In the election cycle so far, Kline has out raised Sarvi $1,200,364 to $339,087, according to the FEC. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Republican Favored'.

District 3

See also: Minnesota's 3rd congressional district

This district encompasses the suburbs of Hennepin County to the north, west, and south of Minneapolis. Republican 9-term incumbent Jim Ramstad announced on September 17, 2007 that he would not seek reelection in 2008.[6] Erik Paulsen, a Republican who was the majority leader in the Minnesota House of Representatives when the Republicans held a majority is opposed by DFLer, Ashwin Madia who is an Iraq War veteran.[7] David Dillon of the Independence Party of Minnesota and Harley Swarm of the Constitution Party are also running.[8][9] The district is rated as an R+1 on the CPVI scale,[2] indicating a district that could swing toward either party. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'No Clear Favorite'.

District 4

See also: Minnesota's 4th congressional district

This district covers most of Ramsey County including all of Saint Paul and several Saint Paul suburbs. It is held by the solidly progressive 4-term DFLer, Betty McCollum. The district is rated a secure D+13 on the CPVI scale,[2] posing a formidable barrier to any potential Republican challengers. Ed Matthews, an attorney, is the Republican candidate. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Democratic'.

District 5

See also: Minnesota's 5th congressional district

This district covers eastern Hennepin County, including the entire city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, along with parts of Anoka and Ramsey counties. With the 2007 retirement of Martin Sabo, the opportunity presented itself for Keith Ellison to compete for Sabo's seat against several aspirants. He is the first African American U.S. Representative from Minnesota and the first Muslim member of the U.S. Congress. Like McCollum, Ellison is also a solidly progressive legislator, which is in keeping with the district, rating D+21 on the CPVI scale.[2] He is being challenged by Republican Barb Davis White, a minister, author, and civil rights activist.[10] CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Democratic'.

District 6

See also: Minnesota's 6th congressional district

This district includes most or all of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, Wright, Anoka, and Washington counties. First-term Republican Michele Bachmann won a hard-fought battle against Patty Wetterling in 2006, with the help of Karl Rove and Dick Cheney campaigning on her behalf[11] and a multi-million dollar warchest.[12] With a CPVI of R+5,[2] the district may pose an uphill battle for a DFL challenger. Former state transportation commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg (DFL) is challenging Bachmann.[13] On April 26, 2008, the 6th District DFL endorsed Tinklenberg for this race. John Brockberg of the Independence Party is also running.[2] CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Republican Favored'.

District 7

See also: Minnesota's 7th congressional district

This district covers almost all of the western side of Minnesota from the Canadian border down to Lincoln County and is the largest district in the state. As chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, 9-term DFLer Collin Peterson is at home in his mostly-agricultural district. Although the district leans Republican with a CPVI of R+6,[2] Peterson's social conservatism and farmer/labor DFL values serve him well in his district. He won with 70% of the vote in 2006. Republican Glen Menze is challenging Peterson. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Democratic'.

District 8

File:MN08.gif
See also: Minnesota's 8th congressional district

This district covers the northeastern part of Minnesota and includes Duluth, Hibbing, and the Mesabi Range. Seventeen-term veteran DFLer, Jim Oberstar is Minnesota's senior representative. In 2006, former Republican U.S. Senator Rod Grams challenged Oberstar, garnering 34% of the vote. In 2008, 74-year-old Oberstar is likely to be popular among his constituency. The district leans Democratic with a CPVI of D+4[2] owing to the loyalty of miners, loggers, and farmers to the DFL. No candidates have announced their intention to run against Oberstar. On May 3, 2008, the 8th District DFL endorsed Oberstar for another term. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Democratic'.

See also

United States Senate elections, 2008

References

  1. ^ Felker, Ed (2007-01-05). "Walz pledges new direction in capital". Post-Bulletin Company, LLC. Retrieved 2007-01-08.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Will Gerrymandered Districts Stem the Wave of Voter Unrest?". The Campaign Legal Center. Retrieved 2007-03-30.
  3. ^ "Rep. Kline agrees with Iraq assessment". Minnesota Public Radio. 2007-09-11. Retrieved 2007-09-18.
  4. ^ "Iraq war vet to challenge Kline in Minnesota's 2nd District". Minnesota Public Radio. 2007-10-04. Retrieved 2007-10-05.
  5. ^ accessdate = 2008-05-04 "DFL Party Congratulates Steve Sarvi on MN-2 Endorsement". Mn DFL Party. 2008-05-03. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Missing pipe in: |url= (help)
  6. ^ Fred Frommer, Fred (2007-09-17). "Ramstad announces his retirement from Congress". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved 2007-09-17.
  7. ^ "Democrat Bonoff to run for Congress in 3rd District". Minnesota Public Radio. 2007-10-05. Retrieved 2007-11-21.
  8. ^ [1]
  9. ^ "Constitution Party Endorses Candidate".
  10. ^ "Barb Davis White for Congress". Retrieved 2008-07-24.
  11. ^ Anderson, Jr., G.R. (October 4, 2006). ""The Chosen One"". City Pages. Vol. 27, no. 1348. City Pages (Minneapolis).
  12. ^ "Bachmann retains 6th District seat for GOP". Minnesota Public Radio. 2006-11-08. Retrieved 2007-09-18.
  13. ^ "Candidates lining up in the 6th, 3rd Congressional Districts". Minnesota Public Radio. 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-10-01.

Template:United States general elections, 2008

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