Former Congressman Rick Nolan is preparing to return Congress after 32 years away.
Nolan, who left Congress in 1981 after serving three terms, upset one-term GOP U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaack to reclaim the northeastern Minnesota seat that Democratic stalwart Jim Oberstar lost in a 2010 upset.
Nolan had 54.5 percent of the statewide vote and carried Koochiching County with 58.8 percent.
Nolan thanked Cravaack for his service to the county and the Eighth District in a statement released following the announcement of his victory.
“We hold very different views on the best path forward, but despite our differences, I have great respect for anyone who is willing to step up and fight for what they believe in,” said Nolan.
In a concession speech in Hinckley, Cravaack called his term in Congress “a privilege. I've done my best in trying to ensure that the Eighth District was well served, and I'm sure Congressman Nolan will do the same.”
The heated race drew national attention and money. The national parties and allies including the Democrat-supporting House Majority PAC and the GOP-backing American Action Network together spent about $9 million on the northeastern race, with about half the money going against Cravaack. The Minnesota DFL sunk more than $400,000 into bolstering Nolan's campaign, mainly by running television and radio ads through a contested primary and into the fall.
In his statement, Nolan discussed his connections with the Eighth District, noting that his family has lived in the district for six generations.
“As I’ve said throughout this campaign, the way to get this country back on track is by investing in the middle class,” said Nolan. “It is time to start rebuilding America’s infrastructure and stop nation building abroad. We need to stop giving tax breaks to the super rich and start investing in education, infrastructure and in the backbone of this country: the middle class.”
He also said it’s time for cooperation. “Together, we can move this country forward and I am excited about the opportunities ahead,” he said.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was reelected to a second term in the U.S. Senate.
Klobuchar received 65.2 percent of the statewide vote and carried Koochiching County with 69 percent.
Klobuchar said in statement that the election was won with hard work. “We were positive and optimistic and forward-looking about the future of Minnesota and this country,” she said.
And she said she would continue to serve state the same way she has in her first term.
“I’ve always approached my job with one simple value: Putting the people of Minnesota first and fighting for what’s right, and that’s what I will continue to do,” said Klobuchar.
She, too, discussed moving forward with cooperation.
“After this polarizing national election, we must stand together and renew our commitment to our country by renewing our economy, our democracy and our Congress,” said Klobuchar. “Getting things done in Washington in the next few years is not going to be about standing by yourself and giving a speech. The future will be in the hands of those who are willing to stand next to someone they don’t always agree with for the betterment of this country. I believe there’s a common ground for this country — and that common ground is this: It’s that we believe in an America that’s as good as its promise.”
