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7th District: Collin Peterson


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A country-music playing Democrat, Collin Peterson was one of seven conservative Democrats who formed the "Blue Dog" coalition. It was a play on the phrase "Yellow-Dog Democrats," party loyalists who would vote for a yellow dog if it ran on the Democratic ticket. Some Blue Dogs say they were choked blue by their party. But Peterson has pulled back some, complaining that the coalition has become too partisan and too focused on elections.

Peterson is an avid hunter who brings to Capitol Hill an expertise in wildlife, hunting and conservationn issues. This was no more apparent than during the 2000 session, where he fought to stop interstate shipping of birds for cockfighting and promoted legislation to allow hunting of double-crested cormorants, birds Peterson claims are interfering with sport fishing. He's also a licensed private pilot and has an interest in aviation issues.

Peterson opposes a ban on handguns, instead suggesting legislation that would mandate life in prison for anyone who commits a crime with a gun. Peterson gained attention in 1998 when he proposed an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would allow the Northwest Angle's 100 residents to vote on whether they want to secede from the United States and join Manitoba.

In 2004, Peterson faced a challenge from David Sturrock, a teacher of political science. Peterson easily won re-election by a 66-to-34-percent margin.

According to Project Vote Smart, Peterson received these scores from special interest groups in 2005: NARAL (0%), National Association of Wheat Growers (80%), Humane Society (34%), National Taxpayers Union (32%), U.S. Chamber of Commerce (70%), NAACP (57%), National Education Association (100%), Family Research Council (83%), NOW (100%), Gun Owners of America (50%), American Public Health Association (75%). According to the National Journal, Representative Peterson voted more liberal on economic, defense and foreign policy issues than 53 percent of the representatives. He voted more conservative on economic, defense and foreign policy issues than 47 percent of the representatives.

Candidate Bio

Collin Peterson
Political affiliation:
Democratic Party
Born:
June 19, 1944
Fargo, ND.
Personal: Divorced.
Three children.
Resides in Detroit Lakes.
Lutheran.
Occupation:
Former accountant, 1966-90. 5th District congressman.
Education:
B.A. Moorhead State University, 1966.
Major political experience:
Elected to House of Representatives in 1990. Served in the Minnesota state Senate, 1977-83.

On the Issues

Audio Alternative energy (4/21/06)
Audio Budget and taxes (4/21/06)
Audio Conservation (4/21/06)
Audio Homeland security (4/21/06)
Audio Immigration (4/21/06)
Audio Iraq (4/21/06)
Audio Immigration (4/21/06)
Audio Social Security and Medicare (4/21/06)

Campaign Finances

Total contributions:
$809,983
Total disbursements
$535,232
Cash on hand
$209,360
Source: Political MoneyLine
October 2006

Links & Resources

Web site:
Document petersonforcongress.com/
Campaign contributions:
Document Political Moneyline

Candidate Pages

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