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Minnesota: DFL, Bill Clinton at Odds in Democratic Primary

Rep. Chip Cravaack awaits the winner of Minnesota's 8th district Democratic primary. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Rep. Chip Cravaack awaits the winner of Minnesota's 8th district Democratic primary. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

If there’s one primary to watch in the Gopher State today, it’s the Democratic contest in the 8th district, where three candidates are facing off for the right to challenge freshman Rep. Chip Cravaack (R) this November.

Cravaack’s district represents the Democrats’ best shot at picking up a seat in Minnesota. Roll Call rates the 8th district race as a Tossup.

The district also features the most contentious primary on the ballot.

The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party backed former Rep. Rick Nolan (D) for the seat earlier this year. The party recently started airing advertisements on his behalf. But Nolan’s fundraising has struggled despite the support of the delegation.

Meanwhile, former state Sen. Tarryl Clark (D) has raised money at a fast clip. She’s also buoyed by an endorsement from President Bill Clinton, who is featured in her latest spot.

Most Democrats expect Nolan or Clark to prevail, although Duluth City Councilor Jeff Anderson is also running.

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