Republicans in the 7th Congressional District endorsed Lee Byberg today to challenge Democrat incumbent Rep. Collin Peterson this November.
Byberg was formerly the General Manager of the Willmar Poultry Company and is now a vice president at its parent company, Life-Science Innovations. He beat out three other candidates who were also seeking the endorsement.
The 7th District covers most of eastern western Minnesota and is known for being fairly conservative. Peterson, the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, is a member of the Blue Dog (moderate) caucus in Congress and voted against the health care reform bill.
Carrying more than 70 percent of the vote in 2008, Peterson will likely be a tough incumbent to beat this fall -- especially with his "no" vote on health care.
Challengers will likely target his vote for controversial cap-and-trade legislation last year, which is not popular among conservatives or farmers. Peterson has already been playing defense on that front, however.
