Reed kicks off campaign to unseat Bachmann

One of two Democrats seeking to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann kicked off her campaign Saturday by saying that she's a "made-in-Minnesota moderate."

Dr. Maureen Reed held an event to open her campaign headquarters in Anoka. She's touting her credentials as a physician, former university regent and head of a nonprofit.

"The support I have received from across the district and the state is truly humbling and gratifying," she said in a statement. "When I'm in Washington, I will bring common sense solutions to Congress and will work across party lines to deliver results for the district, state and nation."

Reed says she wants to emphasize economic growth, home ownership and health care cost cuts.

She is vying with state Sen. Tarryl Clark for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor nomination to take on Bachmann in Minnesota's 6th District.

Reed got into the race in May. She ran for lieutenant governor in 2006 on the Independence Party ticket and hasn't decided whether she will run in a primary election if the DFL endorsement goes to Clark.

Bachmann is in her second term in Congress, but faced stiff opposition in the most recent election and may face another difficult campaign next year.

Bachmann, Clark and Reed already have a combined $1.2 million campaign stockpile, bigger than it was at this stage in the last election. Bachmann leads the way in fundraising with $617,000.

The large amount of money means voters can expect a barrage of television ads, mailers and phone calls in what could be the most vibrant of Minnesota's eight congressional campaigns.

The 6th district encompasses a swath of outlying Twin Cities suburbs and rapidly developing rural areas that stretch into St. Cloud.