Rep. Jim Oberstar, the dean of the Minnesota delegation, has agreed to participate in a candidate forum with his Republican challenger Chip Cravaack in late October.
Cravaack has surpassed $200,000 in fundraising, far more than almost every Oberstar challenger in the past decade.
Former Sen. Rod Grams, the last challenger Oberstar debated, had raised more at this point in the race in 2006 (though he lost by 30 points).
The Duluth News Tribune is organizing the forum on October 19 at the Duluth Playhouse. Oberstar was initially hazy about his attendance, but has now confirmed.
According to the DNT, the forum had to be moved because of "demand for tickets."
Cravaack is a retired Navy captain who was formerly a pilot for Northwest Airlines. He is now campaigning full time in a refurbished motor home he dubbs the "War Wagon."
