DFLers in Minnesota's Third Congressional District on Saturday endorsed state Sen. Terri Bonoff to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen.
DFLers back Terri Bonoff to challenge Erik Paulsen for Congress
The legislator, a former business executive, has sought to build a reputation as a moderate.
By STAFF REPORT
May 14, 2016 at 9:14PM
Bonoff, who lives in Minnetonka and has served in the Legislature for 11 years, said Paulsen's pledge to support GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump is "greatly concerning" to people in her district. "I am fiercely independent … and I think that's what people are looking for," she said.
Bonoff, 58, is a former business executive who has tried to build a reputation as a moderate who can win over Republicans. She voted against a DFL-backed plan to raise income taxes on high earners.
Bonoff ran for the seat previously in 2008, the last time it was open, but was denied the DFL endorsement. Paulsen went on to win the seat that year.
Paulsen's campaign released an online ad that paints Bonoff as a lock-step DFLer who has supported several tax increases.
"Since retread Terri Bonoff's first unsuccessful campaign for Congress, she has only padded her résumé chock full of tax increases," said John-Paul Yates, Paulsen's campaign manager. "Terri Bonoff's record is one of higher taxes for Minnesota families."
The Third Congressional District spans parts of the Twin Cities' northern and western suburbs, including Brooklyn Park, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie and Bloomington. Voters there have solidly supported Paulsen since 2008, but have also voted to elect President Obama twice and Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
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