Minnesota – 1st District Candidate Funds On Hand Recent Poll
Democrat
Republican
Tim Walz $289,000 47%
Gil Gutknecht $791,000 48%
Rep. Gil Gutknecht’s expected re-election to a seventh term has run up against the strong campaign of Tim Walz in Minnesota’s 1st District. The Cook Political Report ranks this race “Lean Republican.” The District The southern tier of Minnesota includes the medium-sized city of Rochester and a broad expanse of small towns and rural communities. It voted for Bush narrowly in 2000 and 2004, a swing region in one of the most closely-fought swing states of the past three election cycles. About Tim Walz A small businessman and veteran of nearly 20 years in the National Guard, Walz is making his first run for political office. He was a Command Sergeant and served overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom prior to his retirement. He is also experienced in education and has taught in Macau, China. Walz is focusing on a new strategy for Iraq. He is also emphasizing ethics, education and access to health care. He is strongly endorsed by environmental, labor and veterans’ groups. www.timwalz.com About Gil Gutknecht Gutknecht first won this seat in the Republican wave of 1994. He is a reliable vote for the GOP agenda on health care, Social Security and the war in Iraq. He has come under fire locally for his inability to bring a resolution to a dispute between small towns that depend on the DM&E Railroad and the Rochester businesses that oppose it. www.gilg.org Fundraising and Polling Gutknecht reported $1.1 million raised and $791,000 on hand. Walz has brought in $759,000, 75% from individuals, and retains $289,000. Originally not thought to be competitive, this race has risen rapidly on the radar screens of national observers and both parties. The recent Majority Watch poll showed a statistical tie – Gutknecht 48, Walz 47. Sources: www.washingtonpost.com, www.centerforpolitics.org, www.nytimes.com, www.fec.gov PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION http://political.moveon.org Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.