Republican Cummins to challenge Minn.'s Oberstar

A Republican construction executive says he will challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar for a second time in northeastern Minnesota's 8th Congressional District.

Michael Cummins lost to Oberstar with 32 percent of the vote in 2008.

Cummins owns a remodeling company and a Christian retreat center. He lives in Brook Park, southwest of Hinckley.

Cummins says Oberstar has lost touch with his district during his 18 terms and should be holding town hall meetings to communicate with his constituents.

Oberstar influences transportation spending nationwide as chairman of the House Transportation Committee. He has a home in Chisholm.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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