Dan Powers to challenge Kline in 2012

Dan Powers, a former small business owner from Burnsville, announced his campaign for Congress on Monday in an open letter to Rep. John Kline, who he will challenge in 2012. “You represent the worst in politicians,” Powers wrote. Powers briefly ran against Kline in the 2010 election, but lost the DFL primary to former legislator Shelley Madore.

In a separate letter to DFL activists on Monday, Powers asked for support. “My name is Dan Powers and I am running for Congress in the Second Congressional District,” he wrote. “I am not running to make a statement. I am running to make a difference. I am running to win.”

Powers cited energy independence, health care reform and infrastructure improvements as key issues.

In his letter to Kline, Powers accused Kline of racking up the federal deficit.

“I wanted to let you know that I do not think you understand what our congressional district or the country really need,” he wrote. “You have consistently voted for continuing war resolutions throughout the last 10 years and have also voted consistently for more and more tax breaks for the most wealthy in our country. Continuing with your spending spree, for several years you have pushed funding for a spare engine for the Joint Strike Fighter, that the Defense Department does not want or need. Many reasons exist for our debt situation but through your direct action you have contributed to make things worse. Our countries debt has skyrocketed while you have been in office.”

Neither Powers nor Madore raised much money in the run up to the 2010 election. Kline’s district is one of the most conservative in the state.