Clark looks across the aisle for support

Tarryl Clark has garnered a long list of top-shelf Democratic support in her bid to defeat powerhouse Republican U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann.

But when talking to Hot Dish about how she would go about unseating the darling of right-wing cable commentators, the DFL state senator from St. Cloud listed some unlikely folks she admires.

Tops were former Govs. Arne Carlson and Al Quie, and former U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad -- all Republicans.

"Governor Carlson put us on a path to outcome- and results-based budgeting," Clark said. "Under his leadership, we had some of the highest per-capita income and job growth in the country."

The Sixth Congressional District, which wraps along the northern Twin Cities suburbs and extends past St. Cloud, is one of the most conservative areas in the state.

"I take it seriously to represent everybody, and not just the people who voted for me," Clark said.

Clark said she has spoken with several Republican leaders she admires, although she wouldn't name names. She plans to talk with other Republicans during the campaign.

She's not holding her breath waiting for a deluge of Republican endorsements, but some of their bipartisan leadership styles and governance philosophies are on her mind.

Clark won the DFL endorsement on Saturday, but faces a contested DFL primary against Dr. Maureen Reed, a former Independence Party candidate for lieutenant governor.

The winner faces Bachmann.

BAIRD HELGESON

Veteran GOP senator from New Ulm among the latest to call it quits

Frederickson, who was respected on both sides of the aisle for his even temper and fairness, first arrived at the Capitol in 1980.

He broke with his party in 2008 when he and several other Republicans joined DFLers to override Gov. Tim Pawlenty's veto of a gasoline tax increase, a decision that angered GOP activists.

"It is still tremendously rewarding to serve in the Minnesota Senate, and I intend to continue working hard in the Senate until January 2011," said Frederickson. He said he is retiring to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren, and to fish, hunt and canoe.

The lawmaker from New Ulm received the honor of being elected president pro tem in 2007.

Frederickson adds to the growing list of retirements from the Legislature announced in advance of this year's election. The others are:

Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, who is running for governor.

Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, who is running for Congress against U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann

Rep. Karla Bigham, DFL-Cottage Grove

Rep. Jeremy Kalin, DFL-North Branch

Rep. Cy Thao, DFL-St. Paul

Sen. Steve Dille, R-Dassel

Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing

Sen. Pat Pariseau, R-Farmington

Sen. Jim Vickerman, DFL-Tracy

RACHEL E. STASSEN-BERGER

The man from Chisholm is supporting the man from Virginia.

U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Chisholm, Tuesday announced he plans on supporting state Rep. Tom Rukavina's bid for the DFL gubernatorial nod.

Oberstar said his fellow Iron Ranger, known for being a scrappy if sometimes intemperate fighter at the Capitol, is " is unafraid to take on the challenges and issues of our time."

He said that he planned to support Rukavina's campaign even before state Sen. Tom Bakk, a fellow Iron Range Democrat, dropped out of the race this month.