Cravaack's challenging environment

Posted at 8:18 AM on April 27, 2011 by Michael Olson (12 Comments)
Filed under: Around MN

Freshman Republican Rep. Chip Cravaak's re-election efforts are off to a slow start.

Politico called his recent fundraising numbers a "less-than-impressive" $121,000.

Lucky for Cravaack media buys in the 8th congressional district, which is largely made up by Duluth and the Iron Range, can be made for far less than in other competitive districts. But his opponents get the same prices.

MPR's Brett Neely spoke with TV ad buyer Lisa Nordstrom of Compass Point Media, a subsidiary of the Campbell Mithun advertising agency about a recent anti-Cravaack ad buy of $8,500. In the 8th District, $8,500 "will definitely saturate the television market," she said.

Nobody has officially announced to challenge Cracaack, but Politics1 offers this broad lineup of possible challengers.

Jeff Anderson (DFL) - Duluth City Councilor, Radio Station Sales Manager & National Guard Veteran
Tarryl Clark (DFL) - State Sen., Attorney & '10 Nominee in CD-6
Daniel Fanning (DFL) - Congressional Aide, Democratic Activist & Iraq War Veteran
Tim Faust (DFL) - Ex-State Rep., Financial Consultant & Pastor
Rick Nolan (DFL) - Ex-Congressman, Ex-State Rep., Businessman & Ex-Teacher
John Persell (DFL) - State Rep., Ex-Frohn Township Supervisor, Water Quality Specialist & USAF Veteran
Yvonne Prettner-Solon (DFL) - Lt. Governor, Ex-State Sen., Ex-Duluth City Councilor & Clinical Psychologist
Ryan Winkler (DFL) - State Rep. & Attorney

Ely native and current Duluth City Council member Jeff Anderson told the Ely Echo he's seriously considering a run.

Daniel Fanning is talking like a candidate as well:
"There's no way I can sit by and let republicans try to balance the budget on the backs of the middle class and working poor, while continuing to give tax breaks to the wealthy, fund unnecessary wars and give subsidies to oil companies that are reporting near record profits" (FOX 21).

Which of the above candidates would you like to see Cravaack face in November? Why? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Also clicking on MN Today:

Drug scarcity frustrates ADHD patients A shortage of stimulants to treat ADHD -- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- has forced some Minnesota patients to pay more for expensive brand-name medications or make a frustrating switch to short-acting versions of their drugs, according to local physicians (Star Tribune).

Republicans move to put same-sex marriage ban on the ballot
Minnesota voters might get a chance next year to decide whether to ban same-sex marriages.Republicans in the Minnesota House and Senate announced a bill Tuesday that would put the issue on the statewide ballot in 2012 as a proposed constitutional amendment (MPR).

Magnus: Expanded gambling proposals "in play"
District 22 Republican Sen. Doug Magnus said state lawmakers are not discounting any option when it comes to balancing the budget, including two separate proposals to expand and enhance gambling in Minnesota (Marshall Independent).

Landlocked lakes flooding homes in Otter Tail County
Sandbagging against high water has taken a twist in Otter Tail County in northwest Minnesota, where residents and volunteers are trying to protect homes from landlocked lakes that have been continually swelling since at least last summer (Star Tribune).

Police: burglaries at Duluth businesses up
The number of businesses burglarized this year is almost double what it was at this time last year, according to police. Authorities said burglars have hit five Duluth businesses in the past two and a half weeks, and victims are on edge (WDIO).

Bigfork rallying to preserve City Hall
More than 75 people met in Bigfork Tuesday night, supporting the protection of the city hall building. Several city council members and the administration favor demolishing the place and then building a new one (WDIO).

Duluth school district cuts ties with charter school
The Duluth School Board voted Tuesday to end its sponsorship of Lake Superior High School.The charter school, which serves at-risk students, has applied to the state for sponsorship from the Audubon Center of the North Woods, near Sandstone, Minn (Duluth News Tribune).

"Defiant Requiem" explores story from Terezin Concentration Camp
Guest Conductor Murry Sidlin created this multi-media presentation from the story of Rafael Schaechter, a prisoner at Terezin (Theresienstadt) Concentration Camp where the majority of Czech Jews perished (Bemidji Pioneer).

Opinion
Bluff Country Reader: Governor Dayton thinks you're rich Even before his election, Gov. Dayton ran on the issue of making Minnesota's wealthiest residents "pay their fair share." With Minnesota facing a multi-billion dollar budget deficit, he wanted to "tax the rich" in order to solve Minnesota's economic problems.

Blog Box
Analyzing the same-sex marriage ban vote What are the chances a ban on same-sex marriage will pass in Minnesota? (News Cut)

Minnesota Scenes

---

Comments (12)

This is going to be an interesting political cycle. I hope to see some actual announcements come out soon.
There have been lots of names floating around... no official announcements to date, however, the 8th Congressional District DFLers are ready to roll up their sleeves to Take Back the 8th!

Posted by Jason Metsa | April 27, 2011 3:49 PM

---

I would love to see Jeff Anderson make a run at Rep. Cravaack, he is born and raised in the 8th district and has spent his entire life within the district and has devoted his life to serving the public.

Posted by Ryan Murphy | April 27, 2011 4:52 PM

---

My support goes to Daniel Fanning.
I've known Daniel for several years now, a true Progressive, and a man that has the courage of his convictions.
He's been working hard for the people of the district, whether it be Veteran's issues, Civil/Human rights, Labor,Senior Citizens, or mentoring the younger genration, just to name a few. His outreach to, and support from, the Campus' communities is a huge plus as well.
His words, "we need to stop running from the issues, and start running on them" has convinced me he's the right candidate, at the right time, for CD 8.

Posted by Barbra Peterson | April 27, 2011 8:56 PM

---

I tip my hat to Jeff Anderson. People last election complained that Oberstar had been out of touch and was never in the district. Chip moved here only 8 short years ago, Anderson is the only candidate (minus Solon, but I don't think she will run) that has lived in the 8th for the majority of their life. All the things Chip hit Oberstar on Anderson has as strengths it would be interesting to see Chip handle that

Posted by Dan Larson | April 27, 2011 9:30 PM

---

I am also fully supportive of Daniel Fanning's efforts to oust Congressman Cravaack.

I have had the great honor of getting to know Daniel over the course of the past few years, at the numerous CD8 appearances he has made. I quickly found he is a man of true conviction and someone who can stand up for what the people of this district believe in:

Posted by Nathan Johnson | April 28, 2011 1:36 AM

---

Running ON issues instead of running away from them?! Sounds like a Wellstone progressive to me! Daniel Fanning has my support.

Posted by Shannon Drury | April 28, 2011 6:57 AM

---

Jeff Anderson seems to have the strongest presence, vision and knowledge of the district. His work in Duluth bringing progressive, labor and business groups together is something that will serve this district well. Also as many people keep saying if you haven't lived here longer than Chip you need not apply.

Posted by Jack | April 28, 2011 8:40 AM

---

It's a hard choice for me between Anderson and Clark. Clark certainly has the name but moving into the district is just a large turn off. Anderson being born an bred in the district and having a tract record inside the district for working with people be it labor or business, and I agree if you haven't been her longer than Chipper, don't even think about it

Posted by Scott Klippler | April 28, 2011 11:17 AM

---

Daniel Fanning all the way. He is a true representative of the people, and a progressive leader for civil and human rights and social justice.

Posted by Sarah Robin | April 28, 2011 5:37 PM

---

Daniel Fanning all the way. He is a true representative of the people, and a progressive leader for civil and human rights and social justice.

Posted by Sarah Robin | April 28, 2011 5:37 PM

---

I am honored to support my good friend Daniel Fanning. A previous post said it perfectly "a Wellstone progressive." We need someone like Daniel to remind us what it means to be progressive and to fight for those without a voice in politics.

Posted by Tom MItchell | May 9, 2011 11:43 PM

---

I am also supporting Daniel Fanning. I'm impressed by his progressive values, his hard work for Senator Al Franken and his work on behalf of Governor candidate John Marty last year. He's got my vote.

Posted by Loki Anderson | May 21, 2011 3:22 PM

---