Grams considering a run for Congress

05/06/2006

Associated Press
May 6, 2006

Former Sen. Rod Grams appears ready to end his political retirement with a run for Congress this fall, taking on Democratic stalwart Jim Oberstar.

Grams said Friday he is 60 percent sure he will get into the race at the 8th Congressional District Republican endorsing convention today in Breezy Point, about 20 miles north of Brainerd.

State Republican Party spokesman Mark Drake was more definitive and said Grams is in.

“It immediately makes it a serious race, a competitive race,” Drake said. “Rod Grams has run strong and run well in the 8th District before. He’s a good fit for the district.”

Oberstar hasn’t faced a stiff challenge in many years. He has held northeastern Minnesota’s seat in Congress since 1974 and is the state’s longest-serving member of Congress.

Don Ness, Oberstar’s campaign manager, said Grams did not present a major threat to the incumbent.

“Rod Grams has never run against a statesman of the caliber of Jim Oberstar,” Ness said. “It’s a mistake for him to project the limited support in this area in past elections to this race.”