2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota explained

Election Name:	2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota
Country:	Minnesota
Flag Year:	1983
Type:	legislative
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota
Next Year:	2014
Seats For Election:	All 8 Minnesota seats to the United States House of Representatives
Party1:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Last Election1:	4
Seats1:	5
Seat Change1:	1
Popular Vote1:	1,560,984
Percentage1:	55.48%
Swing1:	7.55%
Party2:	Republican Party of Minnesota
Last Election2:	4
Seats2:	3
Seat Change2:	1
Popular Vote2:	1,210,409
Percentage2:	43.02%
Swing2:	3.41%

The 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota were held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, to elect the eight U.S. representatives from the state of Minnesota. The elections coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial presidential election and an election to the U.S. Senate. Primary elections were held on August 14, 2012.^[1]

Overview

United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota, 2012^[2]
Party	Votes	Percentage	Seats before	Seats after	+/–
	Democratic-Farmer-Labor	1,560,984	55.48%	4	5	+1
	Republican	1,210,409	43.02%	4	3	-1
	Independence	36,433	1.29%	0	0	0
	Others	5,557	0.20%	0	0	0
Totals		2,813,383	100.00%	8	8	—

Redistricting

A redistricting plan was proposed by Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature on May 9, 2011.^[3] The plan was passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives on May 13^[4] and the Minnesota Senate on May 18,^[5] but was vetoed by Democratic Governor Mark Dayton on May 19.^[6]

In February 2012, a state court panel redrew Minnesota's congressional boundaries with the effect of enacting a "least-change" map.^[7]

District 1

Election Name:	2012 Minnesota's 1st congressional district election
Country:	Minnesota
Flag Year:	1983
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 1
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 1
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:Tim Walz official photo (cropped 2).jpg
Nominee1:	Tim Walz
Party1:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Popular Vote1:	193,211
Percentage1:	57.5%
Nominee2:	Allen Quist
Party2:	Republican Party of Minnesota
Popular Vote2:	142,164
Percentage2:	42.3%
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	Tim Walz
Before Party:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
After Election:	Tim Walz
After Party:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

Democrat Tim Walz, who had represented Minnesota's 1st congressional district since 2007, sought re-election. In redistricting, Murray County, Pipestone County and half of Cottonwood County were moved from the 1st district to the 7th, and Wabasha County was moved from the 1st district to the 2nd, while Le Sueur County and most of Rice County were moved from the 2nd district to the 1st. The 1st district was expected to continue to slightly favor Republicans.^[7]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Tim Walz, incumbent U.S. Representative

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Allen Quist, former state representative from legislative district 23B (1983–1989), candidate for governor in 1994 & 1998 and for this seat in 2010^[8]

Eliminated in primary

• Mike Parry, state senator from senate district 26 since 2010^[9]

Declined

• Randy Demmer, former state representative nominee for this seat in 2010,^[10]
• Steve Drazkowski, state representative^[11]
• Julie Rosen, state senator^[12]

Results

General election

Results

Walz handily dispatched Quist in the election, garnering 58% of the vote.^[13]

District 2

Election Name:	2012 Minnesota's 2nd congressional district election
Country:	Minnesota
Flag Year:	1983
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 2
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 2
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:Johnkline.jpg
Nominee1:	John Kline
Party1:	Republican Party of Minnesota
Popular Vote1:	193,587
Percentage1:	54.0%
Nominee2:	Mike Obermueller
Party2:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Popular Vote2:	164,338
Percentage2:	45.9%
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	John Kline
Before Party:	Republican Party of Minnesota
After Election:	John Kline
After Party:	Republican Party of Minnesota

Republican John Kline, who had represented Minnesota's 2nd congressional district since 2003, sought re-election.

In redistricting, Le Sueur County and Rice County were moved from the 2nd district to the 1st, and Carver County was moved from the 2nd district to the 3rd and 6th, while West St. Paul and parts of South St. Paul were moved from the 4th district to the 2nd. The 2nd district was made slightly more favorable to Democrats, but continues to favor Republicans.^[7]

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• John Kline, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

• David Gerson

Results

Democratic primary

Patrick Ganey, a member of the Northfield City Council;^[14] Kathleen Gaylord, a member of the Dakota County Commission;^[15] former state Representative Mike Obermueller;^[16] and Dan Powers, a former small business owner who unsuccessfully sought the DFL nomination in the 2nd district in 2010,^[17] sought the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party nomination to challenge Kline. At the congressional district convention, the party endorsed Mike Obermueller.

Candidates

Nominee

• Mike Obermueller, former state representative from legislative district 38B (2009–2011)

Withdrawn

• Patrick Ganey, Northfield City Council member
• Kathleen Gaylord, Dakota County Commission member
• Dan Powers, former small business owner candidate for this seat in 2010

Results

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report^[19]		November 5, 2012
align=left	Rothenberg^[20]		November 2, 2012
align=left	Roll Call^[21]		November 4, 2012
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball^[22]		November 5, 2012
align=left	NY Times^[23]		November 4, 2012
RCP^[24]		November 4, 2012
align=left	The Hill^[25]		November 4, 2012

Results

Despite a strong challenge from Obermueller, Kline prevailed.^[26]

District 3

Election Name:	2012 Minnesota's 3rd congressional district election
Country:	Minnesota
Flag Year:	1983
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 3
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 3
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:Erik Paulsen, official portrait, 111th Congress (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Erik Paulsen
Party1:	Republican Party of Minnesota
Popular Vote1:	222,335
Percentage1:	58.1%
Nominee2:	Brian Barnes
Party2:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Popular Vote2:	159,937
Percentage2:	41.8%
Map Size:	200px
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	Erik Paulsen
Before Party:	Republican Party of Minnesota
After Election:	Erik Paulsen
After Party:	Republican Party of Minnesota

Republican Erik Paulsen, who had represented Minnesota's 3rd congressional district since 2009 sought re-election.

In redistricting, the 3rd district was expanded to include eastern Carver County, while part of the northeastern Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro area was moved to the 5th. The district was made more favorable to Republicans.

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Erik Paulsen, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

• John W. Howard III

Results

Democratic primary

Brian Barnes, an Edina businessman and former Navy Reserve officer^[27] and Sharon Sund, a Plymouth scientist and small-business owner^[28] sought the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party nomination to challenge Paulsen. In the third district Democratic convention, Barnes won the party endorsement and Sund backed his candidacy.^[29] Sund was subsequently elected Chair of the Hennepin County Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.^[30]

Candidates

Nominee

• Brian Barnes, businessman and former Navy Reserve officer

Withdrawn

• Sharon Sund, Plymouth scientist and small-business owner

Results

General election

Results

Paulsen received 58% of the vote, defeating Barnes who received 42%.^{[31] [32]}

District 4

Election Name:	2012 Minnesota's 4th congressional district election
Country:	Minnesota
Flag Year:	1983
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 4
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 4
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:Betty McCollum, official portrait, 113th Congress (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Betty McCollum
Party1:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Popular Vote1:	216,685
Percentage1:	62.3%
Nominee2:	Tony Hernandez
Party2:	Republican Party of Minnesota
Popular Vote2:	109,659
Percentage2:	31.5%
Image3:	File:Steve Carlson (2012) (cropped).jpg
Nominee3:	Steve Carlson
Party3:	Independence Party of Minnesota
Popular Vote3:	21,135
Percentage3:	6.1%
Map Size:	230px
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	Betty McCollum
Before Party:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
After Election:	Betty McCollum
After Party:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

Democrat Betty McCollum, who had represented Minnesota's 4th congressional district since 2001, sought re-election. In redistricting, the 4th district was made slightly more favorable to Republicans, but continues to strongly favor Democrats.^[7]

The home of Republican U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann, who had represented Minnesota's 6th congressional district since 2007, was drawn into the 4th district in redistricting; however, Bachmann sought re-election in the 6th district.^[7]

McCollum retained her seat, defeating Hernandez.^[31]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Betty McCollum, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

• Diana Longrie, former Mayor of Maplewood (2005–2009)
• Brian Stalboerger

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Tony Hernandez, businessman and candidate for Senate in 2012^{[33] [34]}

Eliminated in primary

• Ron Seiford, adjunct business instructor at Globe College

Withdrawn

• Dan Flood, retired Navy officer

Declined

• Michele Bachmann, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 6th district

Results

Independence primary

Candidates

• Steve Carlson

Results

General election

Results

District 5

Election Name:	2012 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election
Country:	Minnesota
Flag Year:	1983
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 5
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 5
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:Keith Ellison, official portrait, 113th Congress (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Keith Ellison
Party1:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Popular Vote1:	262,102
Percentage1:	74.5%
Nominee2:	Chris Fields
Party2:	Republican Party of Minnesota
Popular Vote2:	88,753
Percentage2:	25.2%
Map Size:	200px
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	Keith Ellison
Before Party:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
After Election:	Keith Ellison
After Party:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

Minnesota's 5th congressional district has been represented by Democrat Keith Ellison since 2007. Gary Boisclair, an anti-abortion activist, and Gregg Iverson unsuccessfully challenged Ellison in the Democratic primary.^[35] In redistricting, the 5th district was expanded to include parts of Brooklyn Center, Edina and Minnetonka, and continued to strongly favor Democrats.^[7]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Keith Ellison, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

• Gary Boisclair, anti-abortion activist
• Gregg A. Iverson

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Chris Fields, retired U.S. Marine^{[36] [37]}

Results

General election

Results

Ellison easily defeated Fields, carrying about 75% of the vote.^[38]

District 6

Election Name:	2012 Minnesota's 6th congressional district election
Country:	Minnesota
Flag Year:	1983
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 6
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 6
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:Bachmann2011 (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Michele Bachmann
Party1:	Republican Party of Minnesota
Popular Vote1:	179,240
Percentage1:	50.5%
Nominee2:	Jim Graves
Party2:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Popular Vote2:	174,944
Percentage2:	49.3%
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	Michele Bachmann
Before Party:	Republican Party of Minnesota
After Election:	Michele Bachmann
After Party:	Republican Party of Minnesota

Michele Bachmann, who had represented Minnesota's 6th congressional district since 2007 and unsuccessfully sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2012,^[39] sought re-election.^[40]

In redistricting, the 6th district was expanded to include Carver County and was made more favorable to Republicans.^[7]

Republican primary

Ron Seiford, an adjunct business instructor at Woodbury's Globe College,^[41] and Aubrey Immelman unsuccessfully challenged her in the Republican nomination, though Bachmann won by the lowest margin of any incumbent Republican congressional candidate in 50 years.^{[34] [42] [43]}

Candidates

Nominee

• Michele Bachmann, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

• Aubrey Immelman, candidate for this seat in 2008
• Stephen Thompson

Withdrawn

• Ron Seiford, adjunct business instructor at Globe College

Results

Democratic primary

Jim Graves, a hotel executive,^[44] won the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party nomination at the party's convention in April 2012.^[29]

Candidates

Nominee

• Jim Graves, hotel executive

Withdrawn

• Brian McGoldrick, businessman^[45]
• Anne Nolan, attorney and business consultant^[46]
• Mike Starr, substitute teacher^[47]

Results

General election

Debates

• Complete video of debate, November 4, 2012

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Michele Bachmann (R)	Jim Graves (D)	Undecided
Pulse Opinion Research^[48]	October 16, 2012	1,000	±3.0%	align=center	51%	45%	6%
SurveyUSA^[49]	October 9–11, 2012	598	±4.1%	align=center	50%	41%	9%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research Graves (D)^[50]	October 4–5, 2012	403	±4.9%	align=center	47%	45%	7%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research Graves (D)^[51]	August 29–30, 2012	401	±?%	align=center	48%	46%	6%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research Graves (D)^[52]	June 12–14, 2012	505	±4.4%	align=center	48%	43%	9%

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report		November 5, 2012
align=left	Rothenberg		November 2, 2012
align=left	Roll Call		November 4, 2012
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball		November 5, 2012
align=left	NY Times		November 4, 2012
RCP		November 4, 2012
align=left	The Hill		November 4, 2012

Results

Bachmann narrowly retained the seat, receiving 4,298 more votes than Graves.^[53]

District 7

Election Name:	2012 Minnesota's 7th congressional district election
Country:	Minnesota
Flag Year:	1983
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 7
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 7
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:Collin Peterson official photo.jpg
Nominee1:	Collin Peterson
Party1:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Popular Vote1:	197,791
Percentage1:	60.4%
Nominee2:	Lee Byberg
Party2:	Republican Party of Minnesota
Popular Vote2:	114,151
Percentage2:	34.8%
Map Size:	150px
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	Collin Peterson
Before Party:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
After Election:	Collin Peterson
After Party:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

Democrat Collin Peterson, who had represented Minnesota's 7th congressional district since 1991, sought re-election.^[54] In redistricting, the 7th district was expanded to include rural counties in southern Minnesota, while cities were moved from the 6th and 8th districts into the 7th.^[7]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Collin Peterson, incumbent U.S. Representative

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Lee Byberg, business executive and nominee for this seat in 2010^[55]

Withdrawn

• Gretchen Hoffman, state senator^[56]

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report		November 5, 2012
align=left	Rothenberg		November 2, 2012
align=left	Roll Call		November 4, 2012
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball		November 5, 2012
align=left	NY Times		November 4, 2012
RCP		November 4, 2012
align=left	The Hill		November 4, 2012

Results

District 8

Election Name:	2012 Minnesota's 8th congressional district election
Country:	Minnesota
Flag Year:	1983
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 8
Previous Year:	2010
Next Election:	2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota#District 8
Next Year:	2014
Image1:	File:Rick Nolan 115th official photo.jpg
Nominee1:	Rick Nolan
Party1:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Popular Vote1:	191,976
Percentage1:	54.3%
Nominee2:	Chip Cravaack
Party2:	Republican Party of Minnesota
Popular Vote2:	160,520
Percentage2:	45.4%
U.S. Representative
Before Election:	Chip Cravaack
Before Party:	Republican Party of Minnesota
After Election:	Rick Nolan
After Party:	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

Republican Chip Cravaack, who was first elected to represent Minnesota's 8th congressional district in 2010, sought re-election.

In redistricting, the 8th district was not significantly changed and remained competitive.^[7]

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Chip Cravaack, incumbent U.S. Representative

Results

Democratic primary

Candidates

Nominee

• Richard Nolan, former U.S. Representative from Minnesota's 6th congressional district (1975–1981)^{[57] [34]}

Eliminated in primary

• Jeff Anderson, former Duluth City Councilor (2007–2011)^[58]
• Tarryl Clark, former state senator from senate district 15 (2006–2011) and nominee for the 6th district in 2010^[59]

Withdrawn

• Daniel Fanning, former deputy state director for Senator Al Franken^{[60] [61]}

Declined

• Tom Bakk, State senate minority leader^{[62] [63]}
• Carly Melin, State representative^{[64] [65]}
• Don Ness,Mayor of Duluth^[62]
• Roger Reinert, state senator^[62]
• Tom Rukavina, state representative^[62]
• Tony Sertich, former state house majority leader^[62]
• Yvonne Prettner Solon, incumbent Lieutenant Governor^[66]

Campaign

Nolan was victorious in a February 2012 caucus, receiving 1,537 votes to Anderson's 1,008 and Clark's 408. 269 uncommitted votes were cast.

Delegates to a convention held in May 2012 could endorse one candidate, but candidates who did not receive the party's endorsement were nonetheless able to run in the August 2012 primary.^[67]

Results

General election

Debates

• Complete video of debate, October 12, 2012

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Chip Cravaack (R)	Rick Nolan (D)	Undecided
SurveyUSA^[68]	November 1–3, 2012	585	±4.1%	45%	align=center	47%	8%
Public Policy Polling^[69]	October 25–26, 2012	1,020	±3.8%	44%	align=center	48%	8%
OnMessage (R-Cravaack)^[70]	October 24–25, 2012	400	±4.9%	align=center	50%	40%	10%
Pulse Opinion Research^[71]	October 16, 2012	1,000	±3.0%	43%	align=center	50%	7%
Victoria Research (D-Nolan)^[72]	October 7–8, 2012	400	±4.9%	44%	align=center	48%	8%
Global Strategy (D-DCCC)^[73]	October 4–7, 2012	405	±4.9%	align=center	42%	align=center	42%	16%
SurveyUSA^[74]	September 6–9, 2012	578	±4.3%	45%	align=center	46%	9%
GBA Strategies (D-House Majority PAC)^[75]	August 26–27, 2012	400	±4.9%	44%	align=center	47%	9%
Global Strategy (D-DCCC)^[76]	August 21–29, 2012	400	±4.9%	44%	align=center	45%	11%

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
align=left	The Cook Political Report		November 5, 2012
align=left	Rothenberg		November 2, 2012
align=left	Roll Call		November 4, 2012
align=left	Sabato's Crystal Ball		November 5, 2012
align=left	NY Times		November 4, 2012
RCP		November 4, 2012
align=left	The Hill		November 4, 2012

Results

Nolan triumphed over Cravaack, receiving about 55% of the vote.^[77]

External links

• Elections & voting from the Minnesota Secretary of State
  • Official candidate list
  • 2012 elections results
  • 2012 Candidate filings
• United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota, 2012 at Ballotpedia
• Minnesota U.S. House from OurCampaigns.com
• Campaign contributions for Minnesota congressional races from OpenSecrets
• Outside spending at the Sunlight Foundation
• Campaign 2012 at Minnesota Public Radio News

Notes and References

1. Web site: Important Election Dates. August 16, 2011. Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. July 13, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120713080558/http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=239. dead.
2. Web site: MN Election Results. December 21, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20121127013059/http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/ENR/Results/CongressionalResults/1?id=all. November 27, 2012.
3. Web site: Congressional redistricting plan introduced by MN Republicans. May 9, 2011. June 8, 2011. Twin Cities Daily Planet. Mary. Turck. https://web.archive.org/web/20110511041016/http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2011/05/09/congressional-redistricting-plan-introduced-mn-republicans. May 11, 2011. dead.
4. Web site: House OKs redesign for Minn. congressional lines. May 13, 2011. June 8, 2011. Minnesota Public Radio. Tim. Pugmire. https://web.archive.org/web/20111229180001/http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/05/13/redistricting-house/. December 29, 2011. live.
5. Web site: Minnesota Senate Sends Redistricting Bills To Dayton. May 18, 2011. June 8, 2011. AM 1240 WJON. https://web.archive.org/web/20110807181531/http://wjon.com/minnesota-senate-sends-redistricting-bills-to-dayton. August 7, 2011. live.
6. Web site: Dayton vetoes GOP's redistricting plan. May 20, 2011. June 8, 2011. Crookston Daily Times. https://web.archive.org/web/20110722122327/http://www.crookstontimes.com/newsnow/x956209419/Dayton-vetoes-GOPs-redistricting-plan. July 22, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
7. Web site: District-by-district look at Minnesota's new congressional map. February 22, 2012. February 22, 2012. MinnPost.com. Devin. Henry. https://web.archive.org/web/20120225060851/http://www.minnpost.com/dc-dispatches/2012/02/district-district-look-minnesotas-new-congressional-map. February 25, 2012. live.
8. Web site: Republican Quist to challenge Rep. Tim Walz for 1st District seat. December 2, 2011. December 2, 2011. Winona Daily News. Mary. Juhl.
9. Web site: Parry to challenge Walz for Congress. October 8, 2011. October 8, 2011. Mankato Free Press. Mark. Fischenich.
10. Web site: Demmer won't run against Walz. October 15, 2011. October 22, 2011. Winona Daily News. Mary. Juhl.
11. Web site: Drazkowski won't run for Congress. November 4, 2011. November 12, 2011. Winona Daily News.
12. Web site: Drazkowski hasn't ruled out run for Congress. September 20, 2011. September 21, 2011. Winona Daily News. Mary. Juhl.
13. News: Fischenich. Mark. Walz defeats Quist: West teacher returns to Congress. Mankato Free Press. November 7, 2012.
14. Web site: Northfield council member hopes to take on John Kline in 2nd District. March 24, 2012. March 27, 2012. St. Paul Pioneer Press. Bill. Salisbury.
15. Web site: Dakota County Commissioner Kathleen Gaylord to Run for Second Congressional District. April 5, 2012. April 6, 2012. Northfield, MN Patch. Derrick. Williams. Corey Jr.. Butler. https://web.archive.org/web/20120410120917/http://northfield.patch.com/articles/dakota-county-commissioner-kathleen-gaylord-to-run-for-second-congressional-district. April 10, 2012. dead.
16. Web site: DFL has set its sights on Rep. John Kline's seat. April 3, 2012. April 4, 2012. Star Tribune. Rachel E.. Stassen-Berger.
17. Web site: Dan Powers to challenge Kline in 2012. May 31, 2011. June 5, 2011. The Minnesota Independent. Andy. Birkey.
18. http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=beea6beb-5f20-4087-80ae-90c849a00993 SurveyUSA
19. Web site: The Cook Political Report — Charts – 2012 House Competitive Races . Cookpolitical.com . November 5, 2012 . November 6, 2012.
20. Web site: House Ratings . Rothenbergpoliticalreport.com . November 2, 2012 . November 4, 2012.
21. http://www.rollcall.com/politics/race-ratings-chart-2012-house-elections.html
22. http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/category/2012-house/ Crystal Ball
23. http://elections.nytimes.com/2012/ratings/house House Race Ratings
24. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/house/2012_elections_house_map.html
25. Web site: House Ratings . The Hill . November 4, 2012. November 3, 2012 .
26. News: Diaz. Kevin. Obermueller a surprising challenge to Kline in Second District. Star Tribune. November 7, 2012.
27. Web site: Barnes to challenge Paulsen. October 10, 2011. October 11, 2011. Minnesota Public Radio. Tom. Scheck.
28. Web site: Sharon Sund to challenge Erik Paulsen. August 4, 2011. August 5, 2011. The Minnesota Independent. Andy. Birkey.
29. Web site: Shaw . Charley . Barnes, Graves win DFL endorsements for Congress . Politics in Minnesota . 2012-04-15 . 2014-08-14.
30. Web site: Kimball . Joe . DFLers host Jill Biden at Minneapolis fundraising event . 17 October 2012 . MinnPost . 2014-08-14.
31. News: Mitchell. Corey. 6 of state's U.S. House incumbents sure to keep seats. Star Tribune. November 7, 2012.
32. Web site: Erik Paulsen wins re-election in 3rd Congressional District . Erik Paulsen wins re-election in 3rd Congressional District . ABC Newspapers . 2012-11-06 . 2014-08-14.
33. News: 2 Klobuchar Challengers Leave GOP Contest. February 27, 2012. March 23, 2012. CBS Minnesota. Associated Press.
34. Web site: MN Election Results. September 17, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120824132525/http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/ENR/Results/CongressionalResults/2?id=559. August 24, 2012.
35. Web site: Anti-abortion activist campaigns against Ellison to exploit legal loophole. October 24, 2011. November 2, 2011. The Minnesota Independent. Andy. Birkey.
36. Web site: GOP challenger ready for Ellison. September 7, 2011. October 11, 2011. Minnesota Public Radio. Tim. Nelson.
37. Web site: MN Election Results. September 11, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120824132530/http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/ENR/Results/CongressionalResults/2?id=560. August 24, 2012.
38. News: Lee. Jessica. Ellison grabs 4th term. Minnesota Daily. November 7, 2012. November 9, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121111174850/http://www.mndaily.com/2012/11/07/ellison-grabs-4th-term. November 11, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
39. Web site: Michele Bachmann, U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 6th Congressional District . GovTrack.us . 2014-08-01 . 2014-08-14.
40. Web site: Bachmann to defend her seat in Congress. January 25, 2012. January 25, 2012. Star Tribune. Kevin. Diaz.
41. Web site: Woodbury Republican seeks to topple Bachman . republicaneagle.com/ . 1 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230301153324/https://www.republicaneagle.com/news/government/woodbury-republican-seeks-to-topple-bachman/article_fda67232-f9e3-5b05-840a-e451172c1514.html . 1 March 2023 . 24 February 2012.
42. Web site: Could Bachmann lose? . Salon.com . 2012-08-16 . 2014-08-14.
43. Web site: St. Paul Park native wants to challenge Bachmann in GOP primary. February 20, 2012. February 22, 2012. South Washington County Bulletin. Mike. Longaecker.
44. Web site: Hotel owner Graves announces run for Congress. April 10, 2012. April 11, 2012. Minnesota Public Radio. Conrad. Wilson.
45. Web site: Second DFL candidate enters race against Bachmann. March 22, 2012. March 23, 2012. Star Tribune. Jennifer. Brooks.
46. Web site: Anne Nolan, attorney and MBA, first DFLer to announce run against Michele Bachmann. March 9, 2012. March 23, 2012. City Pages. Aaron. Rupar. https://web.archive.org/web/20120319023533/http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/03/anne_nolan_michele_bachmann_first_dfler_to_run_6th_district.php. March 19, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
47. Web site: 6th District: Teacher considers run for Congress on DFL ticket. October 22, 2011. October 28, 2011. St. Cloud Times. Mark. Sommerhauser.
48. https://web.archive.org/web/20230301202800/https://www.startribune.com/bachmann-runs-hard-holds-lead-on-graves/175092551/?c=y&page=all&prepage=1&refer=y Pulse Opinion Research
49. http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=1f81b04e-0116-4ec1-b038-1e62a6211cfa SurveyUSA
50. https://www.scribd.com/doc/110227352/MN-06-GQR-for-Jim-Graves-Oct-2012 Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research Graves (D)
51. http://www.scribd.com/doc/105479028/Jim-Graves-September-Internal-Poll Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research Graves (D)
52. https://web.archive.org/web/20120628013952/http://jimgraves.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/MN-6-Poll-Release-Memo-06.26.12.pdf Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research Graves (D)
53. News: Diaz. Kevin. Close call for Bachmann. Star Tribune. November 8, 2012.
54. Web site: The Retirement Season. November 16, 2011. December 15, 2011. National Journal. Reid. Wilson. https://web.archive.org/web/20111220113021/http://www.nationaljournal.com/columns/on-the-trail/the-retirement-season-20111116. December 20, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
55. Web site: Byberg throws hat in ring for 2012. March 25, 2011. October 11, 2011. Hutchinson Leader. Jorge. Sosa.
56. Web site: Hoffman announces run for Congress in 7th District. February 24, 2012. February 24, 2012. Minnesota Public Radio. Tom. Scheck.
57. Web site: Former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan enters 8th District race. July 13, 2011. July 15, 2011. The Minnesota Independent. Jon. Collins.
58. Web site: City Councillor Jeff Anderson Announces Congressional Campaign. May 25, 2011. June 5, 2011. msnbc.com. Zach. Schneider.
59. Web site: Tarryl Clark says she'll run for Congress again, this time against Chip Cravaack. May 8, 2011. June 5, 2011. MinnPost.com. Derek. Wallbank. https://web.archive.org/web/20110619053740/http://www.minnpost.com/derekwallbank/2011/05/08/28102/tarryl_clark_says_shell_run_for_congress_again_this_time_against_chip_cravaack. June 19, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
60. Web site: Fanning running for 8th District seat. October 4, 2011. October 5, 2011. Duluth News Tribune. Peter. Passi. https://web.archive.org/web/20111007085115/http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/211049/group/homepage/. October 7, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
61. Web site: Fanning drops out of 8th District race, but many Cravaack challengers remain. January 5, 2012. March 23, 2012. MinnPost.com. Joe. Kimball.
62. Web site: FOX 21 EXCLUSIVE: Reinert Not Running for Congress. February 24, 2011. June 5, 2011. Fox 21 News. Nick. LaFave. https://web.archive.org/web/20110228054450/http://www.fox21online.com/news/fox-21-exclusive-reinert-not-running-congress. February 28, 2011. dead. mdy-all.
63. Web site: Capitol Chatter: Bakk rejects requests for congressional run. August 29, 2011. August 31, 2011. Echo Press. Don. Davis. https://web.archive.org/web/20130210135842/http://www.echopress.com/event/article/id/87466/group/News/. February 10, 2013. dead. mdy-all.
64. Web site: Melin: "Open mind" on congressional run. September 1, 2011. September 8, 2011. Star Tribune. Rachel E.. Stassen-Berger.
65. Web site: Melin and Reinert endorse Jeff Anderson to take on Cravaack in 8th Congressional District. September 21, 2011. September 23, 2011. The Minnesota Independent. Jon. Collins.
66. Web site: EMILY's List targets Cravaack. April 5, 2011. June 5, 2011. Minnesota Public Radio. Brett. Neely.
67. Web site: Congressional candidate Rick Nolan wins big in Minnesota caucus poll. February 8, 2012. February 9, 2012. Duluth News Tribune. John. Myers.
68. http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=af08fe16-74a2-43e1-9873-354b83cca8ad SurveyUSA
69. https://web.archive.org/web/20131204074848/http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/MN8ResultsCREDO.pdf Public Policy Polling
70. https://web.archive.org/web/20130530100714/http://atr.rollcall.com/minnesota-chip-cravaack-leading-in-gop-poll OnMessage (R-Cravaack)
71. https://web.archive.org/web/20121028074535/http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/175174531.html?refer=y&refer=y Pulse Opinion Research
72. https://www.scribd.com/document/109675730/Nolan-for-Congress-Polling-Memo-10-11-12 Victoria Research (D-Nolan)
73. https://web.archive.org/web/20121018153049/http://b.3cdn.net/dccc/9992c69ef1c2eef477_5sm6bh37o.pdf Global Strategy (D-DCCC)
74. https://web.archive.org/web/20130517024429/http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/polls/surveyusa-14966 SurveyUSA
75. http://www.scribd.com/doc/104527430/MN-08-GBA-Strategies-for-HMP-Aug-2012 GBA Strategies (D-House Majority PAC)
76. https://www.scribd.com/document/104540270/MN-08-GSG-for-DCCC-Aug-2012 Global Strategy (D-DCCC)
77. News: Nolan wins; Bachmann survives toughest race. The Journal. November 8, 2012.