While political analysts and election handicappers say Rep. Collin Peterson's seventh district seat is safe, the National Republican Congressional Committee is directing some attention toward Peterson's Republican challenger Lee Byberg.

The NRCC named Byberg "On the Radar" in its "Young Guns" program, which lends national Republican support to congressional candidates. That's the lowest rung of the GOP's three-step program.

"I am confident that we will be successful in our efforts to win this seat and add it to the Republican column in November," NRCC Chairman Rep. Pete Sessions said in a statement.

The only other Minnesotan in the "Young Guns" program is first district challenger Randy Demmer.

Byberg's nod is based in part on his fundraising numbers, which have topped $300,000, the campaign announced.

Still, even with help from the NRCC, Byberg has a long climb. Peterson, a 10-term incumbent, won the district with 72 percent of the vote in 2008. The district is rated "safe" by election analysis websites, and Peterson has more than $700,000 cash on hand.