NRCC Memo: Minnesota Primary Results
TO: INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL AND NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: AUGUST 12, 2014
SUBJECT: MINNESOTA PRIMARY RESULTS
Democrats find themselves in a difficult position to hold two congressional seats in Minnesota due to strong Republican candidates Torrey Westrom and Stewart Mills and the failed records of incumbent Democrats Collin Peterson and Rick Nolan. Congressman Collin Peterson representing Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District has been in Washington for 23 years and enjoys the perks of office, including two taxpayer-funded car leases, taxpayer-funded international travel, and reimbursements for travel on his personal plane. Congressman Rick Nolan was one of four Members of Congress to oppose funding for our nation’s veterans and has consistently voted against our troops.
CHALLENGERS
MN-07: Torrey Westrom, R v. Collin Peterson, D
Torrey Westrom has put together a solid campaign against 23-year Washington politician Collin Peterson. This R+6 congressional district is prime territory for a Republican pick up opportunity. Collin Peterson has lost touch with his constituents over the last two decades and will have to explain why he takes advantages of so many congressional perks. Torrey Westrom has been a dedicated public servant in the district and understands the needs of Minnesota farmers and small businesses.
Torrey Westrom Bio: Westrom grew up on his family’s dairy farm near Willmar, and at the age of fourteen lost his vision in a farm-related accident. As a result of the accident and accompanying loss of sight, Westrom did not give up on his High School athletic career; rather, he persevered by moving from the basketball team to becoming an accomplished wrestler. In 2012, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and received the Medal of Courage Award. First elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives at the age of 23, Westrom has fought and defended conservative principles in the state legislature for the last 18 years. Today, Westrom is a state senator representing a large portion of the counties that makeup the 7th U.S. Congressional District. Torrey and his wife Anna own and operate a family business, and reside in Elbow Lake with their three children.
Geography: PVI: R+6; Romney 53.7% – Obama 44%. Minnesota’s expansive 7th Congressional District is located on the Western border of the state and includes Moorhead, Willmar and Fergus Falls. Both the Cook Political Report and the Rothenberg Report rate it as Lean Democrat.
MN-08: Stewart Mills, R v. Rick Nolan, D
For a Congressman that represents a swing district, Rick Nolan has a more extreme voting record than Nancy Pelosi. Nolan is so out of touch he has consistently voted against funding for our military and our veterans. Nolan voted for a plan that raised taxes by $4.2 trillion and even contained a gas tax. His Republican opponent, Stewart Mills, has a track record of success and understands firsthand the problems with President Obama’s failed health care law. Mills has also run a solid campaign and continues to post impressive fundraising numbers. Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District is another leading opportunity for a Republican victory.
Stewart Mills Bio: Stewart Mills is a 41 year old married father of 5 that lives with his family in the Brainerd Lakes area. Since the age of 14 he has worked in his family’s businesses in a variety of positions. Currently, Stewart is Vice President of Mills Fleet Farm, headquartered out of Brainerd, MN.
Stewart is also very involved in the community as a board member of the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Foundation and the creator of the Louis Hostager Award given annually in conjunction with the Brainerd YMCA to recognize individuals that have significantly impacted the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Geography: PVI: D+1; Obama 51.5% – Romney 46%. Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District is located in the northeast portion of the state and includes the Iron Range, Duluth, and Bemidji. The Cook Political Report rates it as a Toss Up and the Rothenberg Report rates it as a Lean Democrat.
OPEN SEATS
MN-06: Tom Emmer, R v. Joe Perske, D
Tom Emmer ran a highly effective campaign to win the Republican nomination in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District being vacated by Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. Emmer has a long track record of serving his community in both the public and private sectors. Emmer has the necessary experience to represent his constituents well in Congress.
Tom Emmer Bio:Tom Emmer began his career practicing law and eventually founding his own law firm. While raising his seven children, Tom coached hockey and served on the city councils in Independence and Delano. In 2004, he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives and re-elected in 2006 and 2008. In 2010, Tom Emmer ran for Governor and came within one half of one percent of winning. Since then, Tom entered the radio business as a conservative radio host on Twin Cities News Talk AM1130.
Geography: PVI: R+10; Romney 56.3% – Obama 41.4%. Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District is located in the north suburbs of the Twin Cities and includes St. Cloud and Blaine. The Cook Political Report rates it as a Solid Republican and the Rothenberg Report rates it as a Safe Republican.