Obermueller's Campaign v. Kline Moves Higher on DCCC's Priority List

Mike Obermueller's already high-profile campaign against Congressman John Kline, (R-Second District), of , got another bump Monday, courtesy of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. 

Earlier in May, the DCCC added Obermueller to its Red to Blue Emerging Races program, but the committee announced this week that Obermueller has now earned a spot on the top tier of the committee's Red to Blue list. The promotion puts Obermueller among a group of 36 Congressional races nationwide that are considered to be the "most competitive."

Obermueller is currently the only Minnesota candidate to have earned designation, according to a press release issued by his campaign on Monday. The DCCC's Red to Blue program pledges increased financial, strategic and communications support to candidates.

Obermueller, a former state representative, beat out fellow DFLers Patrick Ganey and Kathleen Gaylord to get the party's endorsement. He will challenge Kline, a five-term incumbent, for the Second Congressional District seat this fall.

“Mike is first and foremost a problem solver who Minnesota families can count on to overcome partisanship and put Minnesota middle class families, seniors, and small businesses before Washington special interests, millionaires, and Big Oil,” DCCC Chairman Steve Israel wrote in the news release.

“Our message of creating jobs, standing up for middle class families, ending Congressional perks and cutting through the gridlock in Washington has been resonating throughout the region,” Obermueller said. “The early strength we have demonstrated by being named to the Red to Blue program means we have the support, confidence, and momentum necessary to win in November.”