Source: Oberstar’s campaign manager to seek DFL nod in 7B?

A source familiar with Duluth DFL politics says Blake Chaffee, Jim Oberstar’s campaign manager, is strongly mulling a run for State Representative in District 7B, the West Duluth seat being vacated by the retiring DFL Rep. Mike Jaros.

I haven’t met Chaffee since he succeeded current Duluth Mayor Don Ness in the job of Oberstar’s campaign chief, but he’s appeared on several lists of potential candidates when Jaros announced his retirement a few days ago. I am trying to confirm this with Chaffee and will let you know when I do.

If true, Chaffee would join City Councilor Roger Reinert and relatively unknown Brandon Clokey in the DFL pool of candidates, a list that seems like it could get very long and very competitive. There’s a lot of hungry political types waiting for retirements down there.

UPDATE: Blake e-mailed me and gave me a brief statement.

I am considering running and am looking to make a final decision in the coming days. At any rate, we have big shoes to fill. Mike is a true progressive who has been an advocate for working families in our Duluth community and for all of Minnesota.

That said, Minnesotan’s are hurting right now, Governor Pawlenty and Republicans in the legislature have taken this state down the wrong path. To say they are out of touch is an understatement. Now more than ever we need to invest in the health and well being of our people and our communities.

Duluth continues to shrink and export our young people. It is time to create new opportunities to grow our economy and create jobs in Duluth. We need to make sure that every Minnesotan has health care, fix our crumbling infrastructure, and provide the opportunity everyone with the desire to afford a college education or a trade school.

The Governor doesnt seem to know or care about the struggles facing Minnesotans. I think folks just want a fair shake, an opportunity to succeed. Democrats understand that, and they understand that government will be the driving force of our renewal by creating those opportunities.

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    Hi Aaron,

    Do you get the impression that our
    Governor just doesn’t care? What’s
    he worried about? What the more
    conservative/libertarian’s think,
    if he “income redistributes” a little bit too much? Or what? Have a good day.

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