National GOP adds support for Mills’ 8th District campaign
WASHINGTON - Stewart Mills, the scion of the family that owns the Mills Fleet Farm chain of stores who's seeking to unseat DFL U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, is a "contender." That's what the National Republican Congressional Committee is calling its most promising recruits this election cycle.
The NRCC made the announcement Wednesday that Mills has risen a step in the group's "Young Guns" program, which makes him eligible for additional coaching, support and funding. Candidates have to reach undisclosed benchmarks for fundraising and support to be considered for NRCC assistance.
Nolan, who previously served in the U.S. House from 1975 to 1981, unseated one-term GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack in 2010 with a nine point victory. But Nolan's fundraising has lagged and Republicans see an opening in the 8th District, once a DFL stronghold but socially conservative. The Cook Political Report rates the 8th District seat as "Lean Democrat."*
*CORRECTION: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated the Cook Political Report's rating of the race, the Report says the 8th District is "Lean Democrat."
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