As such, news earlier this week from the Dem side in CD2 has really caused a stir.
The race to replace John Kline as representative of Minnesota’s Second Congressional District took a surprise turn Tuesday when Dr. Mary Lawrence, one of the leading contenders for the DFL nomination, withdrew.
For the moment, Lawrence’s withdrawal leaves Angie Craig of Eagan facing only token opposition for the DFL nomination, unless Lawrence’s withdrawal induces other DFLers to enter the race.
Political handicappers have long favored Craig to win the DFL endorsement for the seat, but Lawrence, who is wealthy and was viewed as able to raise substantial campaign funds, seemed headed for a primary challenge.
Officially, Lawrence said she was suspending her campaign, despite the fact that she feels that she could win a primary, because a primary campaign would be expensive and divisive within the DFL, reducing the chances of a DFLer winning the seat, which has been held by Republican John Kline since 2002.
While Kline typically won this district handily, President Barack Obama won CD2 in both his elections (a 2% margin of victory in 2008, less than 1% in 2012). And given we're in a presidential election year, turnout in this state will likely favor Democrats. That said, I am curious to know how voters in CD2 will react to Ms. Craig being endorsed by uber lefty Congressman Keith Ellison (MN-05) as well as uber pro abortion group EMILY's List. Again, you can argue that CD2 may lean Democrat this cycle but it sure as heck ain't Minneapolis.
On the Republican side, yet another candidate entered the fray.
Darlene Miller, President and CEO of Permac Industries in Burnsville, announced today she will run for Congress in Minnesota's Second Congressional District.Nice of Ms. Miller to not leave any wiggle room.
In a press release announcing her campaign, Miller said "ObamaCare, taxes, over-regulation, and deficit spending are crushing our country and killing the jobs that help the middle class."
"Working families and small businesses need Washington to get out of the way and I look forward to fighting for them in Congress," said Miller.
Miller joins a crowded field of other Republican candidates, which includes David Gerson, John Howe, Jason Lewis, Pam Myhra and David Benson-Staebler.
In an interview today, Miller said she would run in the Republican primary and will not abide by the endorsement of the Republican Party for Congress.
Prior to Miller's entrance into this race, I was hard pressed to see any of the other GOP candidates being formidable in the general election. Yes, I know Lewis is articulate and knowledgeable on the issues. However, the fact he doesn't live in the district will (fairly or unfairly) continue to dog him. That and he's running in an R+2 district, which may not be amenable for someone with his far right/libertarian-ish bona fides.
I guess I'm eager to see what Miller brings to the table. If nothing else, a general election matchup of two accomplished women who have never held elected office would be very appealing for political observers.
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1 comment:
Where this race becomes interesting is when you recognize that, from an objective standpoint, ANY of the R candidates would be vastly better than whomever runs for the DFL. I think Jason Lewis has a good chance because he is able to articulate a common sense conservative viewpoint like few others can, in ways that are clear to the average person PAYING ATTENTION. The question will boil down to how much blind ideology on the D side trumps intelligent, informed voting on the R side. I see residency as a minor issue.
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