ST. CLOUD, Minn. — A third Republican is formally in the race to succeed retiring Rep. Michele Bachmann in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District.

State Sen. John Pederson of St. Cloud has filed paperwork with federal campaign regulators to run for the seat in 2014. The St. Cloud Times reported Monday (http://on.sctimes.com/17gNMJQ ) that Pederson has already surpassed the $5,000 threshold for donations that required him to register a campaign committee.

The race to replace Bachmann has attracted plenty of interest, especially from Republicans given the GOP complexion of the district.

Among Republicans, former state Rep. Tom Emmer and Anoka County board chairwoman Rhonda Sivarajah (sihv-ah-RAHJ'-uh) have announced campaigns with a few others still mulling the race over. So has Democratic environmentalist Judy Adams of Circle Pines, but at least one other Democrat is considering it.