Iraq war vet to challenge Kline in Minnesota's 2nd District

(AP) Iraq war veteran Steve Sarvi is preparing to run for Congress in Minnesota's 2nd District.

Sarvi filed federal paperwork Thursday so he can raise and spend campaign money.

The Democrat aims to challenge U.S. Rep. John Kline, a Republican and retired Marine who's serving his third term in the House.

Sarvi served 16 months in Iraq with the Minnesota National Guard, returning home this July. He's a former Watertown mayor who now works as city administrator in Victoria. Sarvi also was deployed to Kosovo as part of a peacekeeping force.

He says he is proud of his military service and that a change of strategy is needed in Iraq.