Challengers line up to battle Oberstar, Peterson

As the November elections get closer (only ten months to go!) a slate of Republicans are vying to replace some of the least vulnerable Democrats in the state. Rep. James Oberstar so far has five Republican challengers, and Rep. Collin Peterson has four. Both legislators have been reelected with large margins and are the chairs of powerful committees in Congress, agriculture and transportation respectively.

Karen Nelson, a psychiatrist who served eight years on the New London-Spicer School Board, entered the race against Peterson this week. She is joined by slate of other GOPers, including JC Penney employee Melva Larson of Bagley and former poultry worker Lee Byberg of Willmar, who now runs a small business (and produced his own 12-song CD about America).

Also running is two-time Peterson challenger Glen Menze. Peterson bested the Starbuck resident by 44 percent in 2008 and 40 percent in 2000. He says Rep. Michele Bachmann encouraged him to run.

In Oberstar’s district, five Republicans are vying for the party endorsement.

Michael Cummins from Isanti, who ran against Oberstar in 2008 and lost by 35 points, is challenging him again this year. Small business owner Justin Eichorn of Grand Rapids is also running, as is Hibbing special education teacher Rob Farnsworth and former Navy captain and Northwest airline pilot Chip Cravaack. Another candidate, Chisago City business owner Darrel Trulson, has a background as a Christian author.