Bachmann, Graves face off in spirited 6th District debate

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann and challenger Jim Graves debated federal policy and the economy in St. Cloud

October 31, 2012 at 3:09AM
Michele Bachmann and Jim Graves debated at the River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, Minn., Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012.
Michele Bachmann and Jim Graves debated at the River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, Minn., Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012. (Colleen Kelly — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

By Eric Roper In her first debate since a failed bid for the presidency, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann went head-to-head Tuesday with her DFL opponent Jim Graves in a conversation that frequently turned testy over Obamacare, entitlements, a bridge and the best routes to job creation. Graves, a hotel owner and business man, sought to portray himself as a pragmatic moderate who understands first-hand how business works. Bachmann railed against the dangers of larger government and repeatedly noted that she has her finger on the pulse of the district. About 500 people turned out at the River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. The pro-Graves forces in the crowd frequently became vocal, particularly at one moment when Bachmann said she was not merely speaking in talking points.

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