James Oberstar, 1934-2014

Oberstar made transportation issues a priority.
President Bush looked back towards members of Congress after signing the Aviation Security Bill at Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport on Nov. 19, 2001. From left to right behind Bush is, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, FAA Administrator Jane Garvey, Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, Rep. John Duncan Jr., R-Tenn., Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., and Rep Connie Morella, R-Md.
Doug Mills / AP

Former U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar, a DFLer who represented Minnesota's 8th District from 1975 to 2011, has died. Oberstar was 79. Oberstar was elected to Congress in 1974 and served 18 terms before he narrowly lost to GOP challenger Chip Cravaack in 2010 as part of a Republican takeover of the House. He was the state's longest-serving member of Congress.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.