7th Congressional District

Coverage

Immigration lurks, but not discussed, in 6th district race

10/11/10, 02:59 PM

One of the issues facing the next Congress will be fixing America's immigration system, which many consider broken. While that issue is a hot topic in many races around the country this year, in Minnesota's 6th District race, immigration is largely playing out under the radar.

Oberstar cries foul over poll released by opponent

10/06/10, 05:01 PM

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar's campaign is questioning results of a poll released this week by his Republican challenger Chip Cravaack. The new poll, paid for by Cravaack's campaign, shows the challenger running neck and neck with Oberstar.

Economic concerns weigh heavily in the battle for the 6th District

09/29/10, 12:56 PM

In the battle for Minnesota's 6th Congressional District, an area that has suffered big job losses and high foreclosure rates, the two leading candidates for the seat say their campaigns' focus is on the economy.

Walz fights anti-incumbent sentiment in 1st District

09/14/10, 03:00 AM

Local Republicans hope anti-incumbent sentiments will help them defeat 1st District Rep. Tim Walz. With the polls showing voters angry with Democrats and their stewardship of national priorities, Republicans think the tables could be turning in their favor.

Additional Coverage

Candidates

DFL

Collin Peterson

GOP

Lee Byberg

Glen Menze

Median age:: 39.6
Per capita income:: $23,689
Individuals below poverty level:: 11.8%
Ethnicity:: White: 93.8%; Black: 0.6%; Asian: 0.7%; Hispanic: 3.4%; American Indian: 2.5%
Distribution:: Urban: 34%; Rural: 66%

7th Congressional District

The 7th Congressional District 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 other areas such as Otter Tail County are Republican.

Incumbent Collin Peterson was first elected to the seat in 1990. He is a conservative Democrat, but in the last session of Congress voted more often with the Democratic leadership than in the past, possibly because of his position as chair of the powerful Agricuture Committee. Peterson won re-election in 2008 with 72 percent of the vote.