By Baird Helgeson

More big-name DFLers are lining up to support Tarryl Clark in her effort to challenge 6th District U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann.

U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar and former Bachmann challenger El Tinklenberg will host a fundraiser for Clark on Nov. 12 at the Woodbury home of Niki and Vince Montgomery. Suggested donations are $100 to $2,400.

Tinklenberg decided not to challenge Bachmann this year, which has led to a diluge of DFL support for Clark, the state Senate assistant majority leader from St. Cloud.

U.S. Sen. Al Franken and his wife, Franni, are hosting a similar event the night before. They will be joined by Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.

Clark isn't Bachmann's only challenger. Dr. Maureen Reed of St. Cloud is also seeking the DFL endorsement.