An Orr logger and businessman will challenge Rep. Jim Oberstar for the Eighth District seat in the U.S. House.

Tim Olson, owner of Olson Logging and Olson Sawmill, received the Independence Party’s endorsement at the Eighth District Convention at Tobie’s Restaurant in Hinckley on Sunday.

In his speech at the convention, Olson voiced concern about the direction that the federal government has turned in since the 2008 elections.

“We need change that will restore control of your life, your money and your health care to you,” Olson told delegates. “This country belongs to the people, not to the government. I’m running for this office because I believe that I can effect the kind of change that will restore character, integrity and respect back to the public offices that were established to serve the American people, not the other way around.”

Olson promised to be fiscally responsible and keep a tight rein on federal spending.

“I believe we have to stop spending what we don’t have,” Olson said. “I believe we have to get out from under the tax burdens already in place. I’m ready to stand in the gap and say, ‘No.” I’m ready to bring common sense representation back to this district. I’m ready to help bring about the change we need.”

Olson also is a well known local sports figure, playing on the Orr basketball teams that went to state in 1976 and 1978. He was a runnerup for Minnesota’s Mr. Basketball and later coached the Braves, bringing the team to the brink of another state appearance in 2007.

In related news, Chip Cravaack received the Republican Party’s endorsement Saturday in the Eighth District race for the U.S. House seat.

A native of Lindstrom, Cravaack received 68 percent of the vote on the first ballot.

Retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve, Cravaack is running on a platform of lower taxes and less government interference.

He noted that Minnesota ranks sixth in the country for total state tax revenue per capita.

“Creating a business-friendly environment and thereby increasing total taxable revenue can reduce individual and business taxes,” said Cravaack on his website.

He points to the PolyMet project on the Range as a typical example of government erecting barriers to business growth. “This project holds great promise for the futures of both the Range and for all of Minnesota, but government bureaucracy and national special interest groups have held this project hostage for five years.”

Oberstar, a pro-life, pro-gun Democrat, has run virtually uncontested over more than three decades in office.