4th District Race

The Fourth, centered in St. Paul and its closest suburbs, is one of the state's three overwhelmingly Democratic districts (the others are the Fifth and the Eighth). Since Eugene McCarthy was elected to the House in 1948, no Republican has represented the district. Rep. Betty McCollum is serving her fourth term. The district retains a politically independent streak, as well, having given strong support to the presidential campaign of Ross Perot and Jesse Ventura's gubernatorial run. Organized labor enjoys continuing clout in the city, although as its manufacturing base has shrunk, public employee unions have gained prominence. Attorney Ed Matthews has received the Republican Party endorsement to challenge McCollum in this year's race.

4th District Race stories from Star Tribune

• High-speed rail might have earlier arrival time
  
  Officials gathered in St. Paul to tout the rail link to Chicago. Not much is said about a push by Rochester for inclusion and study.
• D.C. error gave McCollum a tax break
  
  Her office and city officials said she was among members of Congress mistakenly given homestead credits on Washington residences. She now faces a $4,698 tax bill.
• The pursuit of happiness, through a Congressional lens
  
  Which of Minnesota's members of Congress has the happiest constituents? That would be freshman Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen. The unhappiest? Veteran Democratic Rep. Jim Oberstar.
• Earmarks of the Minnesota delegation
• McCollum ranked 'most liberal' in House by National Journal magazine
• Ellison: 'You can vote your own conscience'
• Inaugural: D.C. is primed like never before
• Critics urge Sen. Klobuchar to condemn Israeli assault
• Minnesota's congressional delegation voted along party lines most of the time
• GOP revolt threatens auto bailout deal