In February 2005, Minnesota had three Republican Congressmen who would run for re-election: Gil Gutknecht in the First District, John Kline in the Second, and Jim Ramstad in the Third. None of them appeared especially vulnerable - Gutknecht and Ramstad were long-time incumbents, and Kline represented a district with a strong conservative bent.
But one of them will not continue on in the 110th Congress: Gil Gutknecht was met with a strong challenge from a public school teacher who mounted a 22-month campaign and defeated him.
The lesson? It's already 2007. It's time to start thinking about candidates who have the resources, the connections, and the ability to mount strong challenges in the 2nd and 3rd Districts in 2008.
Here's what I'm looking for:
- Fundraising ability. Quite simply, it's going to take a lot of money to unseat either of these incumbents
- Political acumen. This is something that can be learned, but we need candidates with smart communications teams and an ability to really connect with their district, with the caveat that each district is very different.
- Name recognition. Then again, who knew who Tim Walz was when he started running? Maybe this one isn't as important.
- Originality. This one will be tremendously important. A successful candidate is going to need to break the mold a little bit, whether in their internet and communications strategy, messaging, whatever. Gathering attention early will be a big part of any potential victory in these districts.
That's what I'm thinking - who and what are you thinking?
Cross-posted at MN Campaign Report - feel free to comment there too :)