Michelle Fischbach to test Collin Peterson's strength in a pro-Trump district
Michelle Fischbach’s challenge to U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson in the Seventh Congressional District sets up what could be the most competitive and closely watched House race in Minnesota, putting in play an increasingly Republican-leaning district that has been in Democratic hands for three decades.
The rural, western Minnesota district went to President Donald Trump by a 31-point margin, making it the most pro-Trump district in the U.S. represented by a Democrat. Peterson, however, runs as a Democrat who opposes abortion, supports gun rights, and presides over the House Agriculture Committee, a crucial assignment in Farm Country.
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Peterson, a centrist Blue Dog Democrat known to question leaders of both parties, has seen his winning electoral margins dwindle in recent election cycles. He has not commented publicly on Fischbach’s challenge, which was announced Monday. He has said previously that he would decide in January whether to officially seek a 16th term.
Many political observers, and even some Democratic strategists, believe that without Peterson in the race, the district would almost certainly revert to GOP control, raising the stakes for his decision. Peterson has long been considered one of his party’s more conservative House members, voting against Democratic priorities such as health care and gun control. That’s helped him hold his seat even as voters in his district have moved toward Republicans in other races there.
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http://www.startribune.com/michelle-fischbach-to-test-collin-peterson-s-strength-in-a-pro-trump-district/559292252/