Obermueller announces rematch against Kline

Former DFL State Rep. Mike Obermueller sent supporters a video Wednesday announcing his plans to attempt for a second time to defeat Republican Rep. John Kline for a second time in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District next year.

In 2012 Kline beat Obermueller by more than eight percentage points. But Obermueller claims he has gained momentum from his initial challenge to Kline.

"Our country faces serious challenges, but instead of trying to find common ground, John Kline and this Congress have chosen to double down on the partisan agenda that led to gridlock over the past five years," Obermueller said. "We need to focus on rebuilding the middle class, protecting the Medicare benefits that seniors have paid for, and making sure we are getting full value for every dollar we spend, and that's why I am running for Congress."

Obermueller, who lives in Eagan, is the second Democrat to announce plans to run against Kline in 2014. Former CaringBridge CEO Sona Mehring announced her campaign Tuesday.

National Democrats are targeting Kline, a six-term congressman, who they claim is more vulnerable thanks to 2012 congressional redistricting.

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