Minnesota Rep. Tony Cornish said he is very interested in running against Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Walz in 2016.

Cornish, of Vernon Center, will begin his seventh term in the Legislature next year. He was unopposed in his re-election and netted 96 percent of the vote.

Walz, a former teacher and National Guard member, has held the southern First Congressional District since defeating longtime Rep. Gil Gutknecht in 2006. He won re-election on Tuesday with 54 percent of the vote.

Cornish, a straight-talking former lawman, said he is "seriously considering" a run against Walz in two years.

"I am just waiting to see what the donors and Republicans think," Cornish said. "I'm thinking about it still."

But, he said, he won't think about it for long.

"I'm always one that believes in coming out early," he said.

His interest was first disclosed by the Mankato Free Press.
Photo: Rep. Tony Cornish in 2011, chairing the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee/ Source: Dave Brewster, Star Tribune