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®
Brett Neely

National Republicans launch ad campaign against Peterson

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.

WASHINGTON - Less than a week after 7th District U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson announced he would stand for re-election, a national arm of the Republican Party has launched a TV ad campaign against the long-serving DFLer in his district.

Peterson is one of a dwindling number of Democrats who represents a predominantly Republican-leaning district, though he's easily won re-election since entering Congress in 1991. National Republicans have recruited state Sen. Torrey Westrom to take on Peterson this year and are promising to more vigorously contest the district than they have in past years.

In line with the national GOP's focus on the Affordable Care Act this election year, the ad from the National Republican Congressional Committee features Willmar businessman Randy Czarnetzki criticizing Peterson for his support of the law.

"The fact that Collin Peterson recently voted to keep ObamaCare threatens the future of my business," says Czaretzki in the ad.

Peterson's record on the law is more complicated. He was one of a small number of Democrats who voted against the Affordable Care Act in 2010 though he has also voted against some Republican attempts to repeal the law. Just last week, Peterson voted with Republicans to delay by five years the law's requirement that all Americans purchase health insurance.

"I voted against Obamacare and would again if it was the same bill. Outside money, the NRCC, and super PACs are trying to hijack the election from the local people, and as one of my constituents said last week, 'don't worry about it, the people of the 7th district are smarter than that'," said Peterson in a statement issued by his campaign.

The NRCC says it is spending $50,000 to run the ad run for three weeks in the Fargo and Twin Cities media markets.