Democratic state Sen. Tarryl Clark has officially jumped into the race to challenge U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann.
"Washington isn't working for Minnesota families, and neither is Michele Bachmann," Clark said at a news conference Thursday at the State Capitol in St. Paul, flanked by family members and supporters. "I'll fight every day for people, not a political agenda."
Clark spent much of the news conference bashing Bachmann and did not mention by name her Democratic rival, Dr. Maureen Reed.
"I am not going to talk about someone else's campaign," Clark said. "I am focused solely on making sure we can come together to defeat Michele Bachmann."
Clark, who has racked up A-list Democratic support, including former Vice President Walter Mondale and U.S. Sen. Al Franken, has already campaigned for months and raised more than $600,000 in contributions.
Clark pledged to help families and owners of small businesses, and touted her record of helping local government cuts costs and trim bureaucracy.
The news conference kicked off a six-day "Working for You" tour of Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District, which wraps around northern Twin Cities suburbs, stretching beyond St. Cloud.
Clark has a tough challenge to unseat Bachmann, who has emerged as a conservative powerhouse able to draw large crowds and a high-profile fan base. Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin announced she would campaign for Bachmann this spring.
