A former Eagan state representative and Minneapolis lawyer beat out two others and won the DFL party nomination to again challenge GOP Rep. John Kline this November.
Mike Obermueller won the endorsement on the first ballot round, said Sue Moravec, DFL Chair in the 2nd Congressional District.
"Mike was always very organized, very communicative and objective and he worked hard for this endorsement and he committed to continuting to work hard," she said. "I'm impressed by his willingness to work so hard and the delegates saw that."
Obermueller faces a formidable race in running against Kline, who raised $270,000 during the first quarter and reports having $1.66 million cash on hand.
Obermueller also ran against Kline two years ago and lost by almost eight points. In 2012, the climate was much more favorable to Dems. The Rothenberg Political Report has moved Kline into "safe Republican" territory for this year.
Moravec remains hopeful because she says Kline's politics do not reflect the 2nd Congressional District.
"He has an abysmal record when the issues are middle class isssues, women's issues," she said. "I think he's far too conservative for the district. He doesn't represent mainstream people."
Kline's campaign responded Monday:
"Minnesotans want results instead of petty, partisan attacks and they recognize that whether its ensuring our Minnesota National Guard receive the overdue bonus pay they earned or championing a bipartisan compromise with the president to prevent student loan rates from doubling, Congressman Kline is fighting for them," said Troy Young, Kline's campaign spokesman, in an e-mailed statement.
Obermueller beat out former South St. Paul Mayor Kathleen Gaylord and Northfield City Council member Patrick Ganey.
