Free Republic

Former 8th District Congressman Jim Oberstar of Chisholm died in his sleep this morning. Oberstar, Minnesota’s longest serving congressman, was 79. The Oberstar family released this statement this morning: “We are heartbroken to share the news that Jim Oberstar has passed way. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and brother. While we mourn the loss of a good man, we also celebrate his life and his service. We ask for your thoughts and prayers, and understanding, at this very difficult time.” Oberstar, a Democrat, went to work for his predecessor, John Blatnik, in 1963 and succeeded him in...

There’s no denying the enormous, life-changing and positive impacts U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar has had on Northeastern Minnesota. From rescuing Eveleth Taconite to landing Cirrus Aviation for Duluth to making safe the death trap that was Minnesota Highway 8 to getting the Bong Bridge built, his list of achievements practically stretch the length of the massive, 18-county 8th Congressional District, where Oberstar has served admirably as representative since 1974. < snip > His opponent, on the other hand, Republican Chip Cravaack, represents what Congress, including Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District, needs at this critical crossroads in American history. A pro-business, fiscally...

During a debate between Democratic Congressman Jim Oberstar and his Republican challenger Chip Cravaack in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional district, the crowd became pretty vocal at times. Most of the jeers were geared towards the 18-term Democrat.

Republican Chip Cravaack says a recent poll conducted for his campaign shows he is surprisingly close to longtime DFL incumbent Jim Oberstar in the race for Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District. Cravaack announced today the poll showing he’s just 3 percentage points behind Oberstar at 45-42.