Cravaack’s challenging environment

Freshman Republican Rep. Chip Cravaak's re-election efforts are off to a slow start.

Politico called his recent fundraising numbers a "less-than-impressive" $121,000.

Lucky for Cravaack media buys in the 8th congressional district, which is largely made up by Duluth and the Iron Range, can be made for far less than in other competitive districts. But his opponents get the same prices.

MPR's Brett Neely spoke with TV ad buyer Lisa Nordstrom of Compass Point Media, a subsidiary of the Campbell Mithun advertising agency about a recent anti-Cravaack ad buy of $8,500. In the 8th District, $8,500 "will definitely saturate the television market," she said.

Nobody has officially announced to challenge Cracaack, but Politics1 offers this broad lineup of possible challengers.

Jeff Anderson (DFL) - Duluth City Councilor, Radio Station Sales Manager & National Guard Veteran

Tarryl Clark (DFL) - State Sen., Attorney & '10 Nominee in CD-6

Daniel Fanning (DFL) - Congressional Aide, Democratic Activist & Iraq War Veteran

Tim Faust (DFL) - Ex-State Rep., Financial Consultant & Pastor

Rick Nolan (DFL) - Ex-Congressman, Ex-State Rep., Businessman & Ex-Teacher

John Persell (DFL) - State Rep., Ex-Frohn Township Supervisor, Water Quality Specialist & USAF Veteran

Yvonne Prettner-Solon (DFL) - Lt. Governor, Ex-State Sen., Ex-Duluth City Councilor & Clinical Psychologist

Ryan Winkler (DFL) - State Rep. & Attorney

Ely native and current Duluth City Council member Jeff Anderson told the Ely Echo he's seriously considering a run.

Daniel Fanning is talking like a candidate as well:

"There's no way I can sit by and let republicans try to balance the budget on the backs of the middle class and working poor, while continuing to give tax breaks to the wealthy, fund unnecessary wars and give subsidies to oil companies that are reporting near record profits" (FOX 21).

Which of the above candidates would you like to see Cravaack face in November? Why? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Also clicking on MN Today:

Drug scarcity frustrates ADHD patients

A shortage of stimulants to treat ADHD -- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- has forced some Minnesota patients to pay more for expensive brand-name medications or make a frustrating switch to short-acting versions of their drugs, according to local physicians (Star Tribune).

Republicans move to put same-sex marriage ban on the ballot

Minnesota voters might get a chance next year to decide whether to ban same-sex marriages.Republicans in the Minnesota House and Senate announced a bill Tuesday that would put the issue on the statewide ballot in 2012 as a proposed constitutional amendment (MPR).

Magnus: Expanded gambling proposals "in play"

District 22 Republican Sen. Doug Magnus said state lawmakers are not discounting any option when it comes to balancing the budget, including two separate proposals to expand and enhance gambling in Minnesota (Marshall Independent).

Landlocked lakes flooding homes in Otter Tail County

Sandbagging against high water has taken a twist in Otter Tail County in northwest Minnesota, where residents and volunteers are trying to protect homes from landlocked lakes that have been continually swelling since at least last summer (Star Tribune).

Police: burglaries at Duluth businesses up

The number of businesses burglarized this year is almost double what it was at this time last year, according to police. Authorities said burglars have hit five Duluth businesses in the past two and a half weeks, and victims are on edge (WDIO).

Bigfork rallying to preserve City Hall

More than 75 people met in Bigfork Tuesday night, supporting the protection of the city hall building. Several city council members and the administration favor demolishing the place and then building a new one (WDIO).

Duluth school district cuts ties with charter school

The Duluth School Board voted Tuesday to end its sponsorship of Lake Superior High School.The charter school, which serves at-risk students, has applied to the state for sponsorship from the Audubon Center of the North Woods, near Sandstone, Minn (Duluth News Tribune).

"Defiant Requiem" explores story from Terezin Concentration Camp

Guest Conductor Murry Sidlin created this multi-media presentation from the story of Rafael Schaechter, a prisoner at Terezin (Theresienstadt) Concentration Camp where the majority of Czech Jews perished (Bemidji Pioneer).

Opinion

Bluff Country Reader: Governor Dayton thinks you're rich Even before his election, Gov. Dayton ran on the issue of making Minnesota's wealthiest residents "pay their fair share." With Minnesota facing a multi-billion dollar budget deficit, he wanted to "tax the rich" in order to solve Minnesota's economic problems.

Blog Box

Analyzing the same-sex marriage ban vote What are the chances a ban on same-sex marriage will pass in Minnesota? (News Cut)

Minnesota Scenes

[image]

• Editor’s notebook: Covering the environment in 2014
• Best of Minnesota Scenes from 2014
• 50 years of memory making in the Boundary Waters
• ‘Fargo’ takes home two Emmys