Madia and Paulsen debate in tightly contested 3CD race

Democrat Ashwin Madia and Republican Erik Paulsen squared off for the first time yesterday in a debate at the General Mills headquarters. The UpTake has posted video of the entire discussion, which also included Independence Party candidate David Dillon. The generally amicable debate sparked the most heat over the Employee Free Choice Act, which would allow workers to unionize if more than half of the employees sign a card indicating support.

Today the Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza rates the Third Congressional District seat the 18th most likely to switch parties in the November election. Republicans have held the post for 50 years, but with Rep. Jim Ramstad retiring and the district trending Democratic the race is thought to be a toss-up. Here’s Cillizza’s brief blurb:

18. Minnesota’s 3rd district (R): This race to replace Rep. Jim Ramstad (R) is the rare contest where both candidates — state Sen. Erik Paulsen (R) and Iraq War vet Ashwin Madia (D) — are running solid and well financed campaigns. This should be one of the best races in the country. (Previous ranking: 17)