Oberstar backs Rukavina for Minn. governor

U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar says he's backing DFL state Rep. Tom Rukavina in the race for Minnesota governor.

Oberstar announced his support Tuesday, saying Rukavina has been a persistent voice for northeastern Minnesota, particularly in job development. Both men are from the state's Iron Range region. Oberstar says Rukavina understand rural and urban issues.

"He is a builder, a unifier," he said. "He brings people together, and he does it with a great deal of good humor, good sense, but just indefatigable energy. He will be a tireless governor for Minnesota."

Oberstar isn't the first member of the state's congressional delegation to weigh in on the governor's race. U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison is backing DFLer Matt Entenza, while U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum was an early supporter of Steve Kelley, who dropped out of the DFL race in February.