Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Tom Scheck

Republican considering a run against Peterson

Image supplied by Van Binsbergen and Associates.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

scott van binsbergen
Image supplied by Van Binsbergen and Associates.

A Republican businessman from Montevideo says he’s thinking about challenging DFL Rep. Collin Peterson.

Scott Van Binsbergen says he’s met with officials with the National Republican Congressional Campaign and the Minnesota Republican Party about a possible run. He says he hasn’t made a final decision but is thinking about it seriously.

“I am very interested,” Van Binsbergen said. “I’ve been spending time traveling around the district and meeting with folks around the state.”

Van Binsbergen says he has not set a timeline as to when he’ll make a final decision. He’s run for office and worked for several Republican politicians including former Congressman Vin Weber and former Senator Rudy Boschwitz. He lost two bids for the state Legislature.

Van Binsbergen says his decision will not hinge on whether Peterson decides to run for re-election. Peterson has not said whether he intends to run for another term but said he’s more motivated to run after Republican party officials in Minnesota and nationally suggested he was preparing to retire.

Van Binsbergen did say, however, that he thinks Peterson has been in office for too long.

“Collin has been there a long time. Between his state Senate career and his congressional career he’s been in office for almost 35 years," he said. "I just feel that’s part of our problem in our country. We have people where this has become their job.”

Republicans see Minnesota’s 7

th

Congressional District as a possible pick-up opportunity. The district, which includes most of western Minnesota, leans Republican. But Peterson has consistently won the district by double digits.