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Capitol View®
Tom Scheck

Kline gets another DFL opponent

Democrat Tom Craft is running for Congress in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District. (Photo supplied by Craft Campaign for Congress)

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Another Democrat is getting ready to run for Congress in Minnesota’s 2

nd

 Congressional District. Tom Craft, a technology consultant from Eagan, says he’ll officially kick off his campaign for Congress on Saturday. He’s looking to defeat GOP Rep. John Kline. But before Craft faces Kline, he’ll need to win the DFL endorsement over former state Rep. Mike Obermueller- a candidate Craft volunteered for in 2012.

Craft characterizes himself as a fiscal conservative who is liberal on social issues. He said he’s concerned about erasing the deficit and thinks a mix of spending cuts and tax increases should be on the table.

“I don’t think anyone is under taxed in this country,” Craft said. “But I realize that every dollar that we take out in a loan on our country’s credit card is a dollar that my grandchildren and children are going to have to pay.”

Craft says he intends to campaign on ensuring workers receive a livable wage, pass a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage nationally and supports a comprehensive immigration plan.Craft, who is 30 years old, says he intends to abide by the DFL party endorsement – which means he’ll drop out of the race if he doesn’t win the backing of party delegates. He said he’ll run a general election campaign that is different than Obermueller’s campaign in 2012.

“We don’t have to run to the center to win this election,” Craft said. “I think I also appeal to a different audience. People are sick of normal politicians. Not to say anything bad about my primary opponent but I’m just a regular guy. I pay a mortgage. I pay childcare every month. I have student loans.”

Obermueller, who served in the Minnesota House from 2009-2011, issued a prepared statement through his campaign that didn't mention Craft's candidacy. Instead, the campaign said he'll focus on his record with Kline's record.

"It takes experience and leadership to mount a successful campaign," Obermueller said in a prepared statement from the campaign. "After a solid showing last year I'm excited to be digging back in and look forward to facing off with Congressman Kline in the fall of 2014."

Democrats nationally have been targeting Kline and suggest he’s vulnerable in 2012.

Kline has won reelection convincingly since he first won his seat in 2002. Democrats say, however, that the new political boundaries give them a shot to win there.