National Republicans launch ad campaign against Peterson
WASHINGTON - Less than a week after 7th District U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson announced he would stand for re-election, a national arm of the Republican Party has launched a TV ad campaign against the long-serving DFLer in his district.
Peterson is one of a dwindling number of Democrats who represents a predominantly Republican-leaning district, though he's easily won re-election since entering Congress in 1991. National Republicans have recruited state Sen. Torrey Westrom to take on Peterson this year and are promising to more vigorously contest the district than they have in past years.
In line with the national GOP's focus on the Affordable Care Act this election year, the ad from the National Republican Congressional Committee features Willmar businessman Randy Czarnetzki criticizing Peterson for his support of the law.
"The fact that Collin Peterson recently voted to keep ObamaCare threatens the future of my business," says Czaretzki in the ad.
Peterson's record on the law is more complicated. He was one of a small number of Democrats who voted against the Affordable Care Act in 2010 though he has also voted against some Republican attempts to repeal the law. Just last week, Peterson voted with Republicans to delay by five years the law's requirement that all Americans purchase health insurance.
"I voted against Obamacare and would again if it was the same bill. Outside money, the NRCC, and super PACs are trying to hijack the election from the local people, and as one of my constituents said last week, 'don't worry about it, the people of the 7th district are smarter than that'," said Peterson in a statement issued by his campaign.
The NRCC says it is spending $50,000 to run the ad run for three weeks in the Fargo and Twin Cities media markets.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.