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The 7th District is the mythical home of Lake Wobegon. Garrison Keillor has often noted that he was inspired by the small town in Stearns County -- pretty much split between German Catholics and Norwegian Lutherans. This is farming country, and as one would expect, its fortunes are tied to agricultural issues. The region is depopulating as more people give up the land. The district covers most of the western part of the state. Some of the "wheat growing" area is still heavily DFL, while Norwegian territory, such as Otter Tail County, is Republican.
It was in this district that -- in 1958 -- Congresswoman Coya Knutson lost an election after her husband urged her to "come home and make breakfast." In the 2000 presidential election, district voters chose Republican and former Texas Gov. George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore. About 30.2 percent of residents in the 7th district make a living as doctors, lawyers, managers and other professionals and 24.5 percent work in 9-to-5 office jobs as salespeople, administrative assistants or secretaries, for example. Another 18.1 percent are employed in transportation and production, jobs courted by powerful unions.
The 7th District is the mythical home of Lake Wobegon. Garrison Keillor has often noted that he was inspired by the small town in Stearns County -- pretty much split between German Catholics and Norwegian Lutherans. This is farming country, and as one would expect, its fortunes are tied to agricultural issues. The region is depopulating as more people give up the land. The district covers most of the western part of the state. Some of the "wheat growing" area is still heavily DFL, while Norwegian territory, such as Otter Tail County, is Republican.
It was in this district that -- in 1958 -- Congresswoman Coya Knutson lost an election after her husband urged her to "come home and make breakfast." In the 2000 presidential election, district voters chose Republican and former Texas Gov. George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore. About 30.2 percent of residents in the 7th district make a living as doctors, lawyers, managers and other professionals and 24.5 percent work in 9-to-5 office jobs as salespeople, administrative assistants or secretaries, for example. Another 18.1 percent are employed in transportation and production, jobs courted by powerful unions.
Candidates
Michael Barrett (R) | |
Ken Lucier (Const.) | |
Collin Peterson (D) |
District Information
School age: 20%
Age 65+: 17%
Percent below poverty: 10%
Per capita income: $17,602
Median housing value: $79,760
Percent unemployed: 3%
Percent minority: 7%
Percent college graduate: 10%
Percent less than high school diploma: 12%
Debates
Prairie Public TV 7th District debate | |
Peterson and Barrett appeared at a congressional candidates' forum at Farmfest, along with candidates from other districts. (8/1/06) | |
The Money Race
Candidate | Funds |
Collin Peterson | $809,983 |
Michael Barrett | $34,126 |
Links and Resources
Campaign 2004: 7th District |
Campaign 2004: 7th District election results |
Mrs. Bush was in Minnetonka Wednesday morning for a $500-a-plate breakfast for Bachmann and the Republican Party.
(10/25/2006)
The race for Congress in Minnesota's 1st District has become competitive with a political newcomer running as a DFLer posing a serious challenger to six-term Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht.
(10/25/2006)
U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo's retirement this year created something of a rarity: an open seat in Congress. With less than three weeks unil the election, Midday listeners get a chance to meet the candidates hoping to take Sabo's place.
(Midday, 10/20/2006)
The candidates in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District face off as part of Midday's Meet the Candidates series.
(Midday, 10/20/2006)
GOP Rep. Gil Gutknecht offered an
optimistic message about America's direction. Democratic challenger
Tim Walz spoke of an America that's desperate for change.
(10/19/2006)
Democratic congressional candidate Keith
Ellison is accusing a St. Louis Park woman of working with a Minneapolis writer to blackmail his campaign.
(10/19/2006)
Rep. Jim Oberstar, D Minn., who has represented Minnesota's 8th District for almost 32 years, is facing a well-known challeger this year: former Sen. Rod Grams, R-Minn. Midday presents their Oct. 17 debate in Grand Rapids.
(Midday, 10/18/2006)
The three major party candidates for the 5th Congressional District seat met for a debate Tuesday evening at a St. Louis Park synagogue. DFLer Keith Ellison, Republican Alan Fine and Independence Party candidate Tammy Lee were asked their views on health care, the war in Iraq and the United States' relationship with Israel.
(10/18/2006)
A watchdog group filed a complaint with the
IRS Tuesday against a Minnesota church, claiming the pastor
violated the church's tax-exempt status by endorsing GOP
congressional candidate Michele Bachmann Saturday night.
(10/17/2006)
A new poll shows Patty Wetterling is the frontrunner in the 6th District race. But Republicans say the poll isn't credible.
(10/17/2006)
The nasty tone of a debate in Blaine carried over from the negative TV ads both
Patty Wetterling and Michele Bachmann have been running.
(10/16/2006)
In Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, Muslims are speaking with a newly found political voice.
(10/13/2006)
Alan Fine, the Republican candidate for Congress in the 5th District, was charged with domestic violence in 1995 for allegedly assaulting his wife, and he later had his record expunged. Fine reacted angrily to a Star Tribune report about the incident, saying he is innocent.
(10/07/2006)
6th District DFL Congressional candidate Patty Wetterling talked to a national radio audience Saturday about child safety and the Mark Foley scandal.
(10/07/2006)
Results of the Reuters/Zogby poll found Republican Michele Bachmann and Democrat Patty Wetterling running neck and neck with just a month left before the election. Meanwhile, the Mark Foley scandal is growing as a campaign issue.
(10/04/2006)
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