Duluth City Councilman and Ely native Jeff Anderson has announced his intention to challenge first-term congressman Chip Cravaack in next fall’s congressional election.  

“I see the next generation of Northern Minnesota prosperity on the horizon. That prosperity includes our children attending the best schools, growing jobs in an increasingly diversified economy, and making sure our senior citizens have the care and help they need to live in dignity,” Anderson said. “Representative Cravaack’s extreme Tea Party views are hindering that prosperity.  He has already threatened the security of our seniors by voting to end Medicare, and he is holding our local businesses hostage with his political antics.” 

Cravaack narrowly edged longtime Eighth District Congressman Jim Oberstar in the 2010 election, and he is widely viewed by political analysts as one of the most vulnerable freshmen members of the U.S. House. Cravaack, who represents a longtime DFL stronghold, has supported staunchly conservative initatives. He voted in favor of the Medicare voucher plan proposed by Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan and supported Tea Party favorite Michele Bachmann in her bid for a House leadership position.

Anderson said that he is hearing from an increasing number of northland residents, including many who voted for Cravaack, who are not impressed with the way that the freshman has represented the people of the district.  

“I have been talking with folks across the district and am getting a very strong reception,” Anderson said. “People are very concerned that our current congressman has already lost touch with the values of the very people who elected him to office less than a year ago. The message I hear over and over again is that people want representation that will remain attentive to the needs of the district while working to ensure future prosperity. By putting the Tea Party ahead of the voters in this district, Rep. Cravaack is proving that the inspiring populist message he used to get elected was just a facade used to mask his true agenda.”    

Anderson, 34, was born and raised in Ely, and is now a small business owner and radio sales executive in Duluth.  He serves on the Duluth City Council as well as various boards and councils throughout the northland.