The Eighth District battle for endorsements is taking flight.

Rep. Jim Oberstar

Rep. Jim Oberstar's campaign announced this afternoon they had snagged the endorsement of Republican challenger Chip Cravaack's former union, the Air Line Pilots Association.

Cravaack, a former pilot, was a union representative for ALPA while with Northwest Airlines. But Oberstar's gavel on the Transportation Committee appears to have taken precedent for union president Capt. John Prater.

"Just as the flying public is best served when there is an experienced, professional pilot at the controls, so is American transportation best served with a strong, steady hand holding the gavel," Prater said.

Cravaack spokester Kyler Nerison sends this response: "Chip worked for many years with the Air Line Pilots Association as a union steward and he looks forward to continued opportunities to improve safety for airline pilots, crews, and passengers."

Last week an anti-abortion group supported Cravaack over Oberstar, dealing the 18-term lawmaker a blow in a district that traditionally opposes abortion rights.

Oberstar and Cravaack will face off in their first debate tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. in Duluth. Cravaack is waging a more aggressive campaign than many past Oberstar challengers, which is perhaps why Sen. Al Franken will be on hand to rally Oberstar supporters before Tuesday's event.

The debate will be live streamed here.

Update: