2006 Minnesota's 6th congressional district election

Republican convention

Received nomination

• Michele Bachmann, state senator

Withdrew

• Jay Esmay, businessman
• Jim Knoblach, state representative
• Phil Krinkie, state representative
• Cheri Yecke, former Minnesota Commissioner of Education

Campaign

During the Republican convention, Bachmann and Krinkie both portrayed themselves as conservatives, while Knoblach emphasised his supposed electability.

Democratic convention

Received nomination

• Patty Wetterling, children's safety advocate; mother of Jacob Wetterling

Withdrew

• Scott Mortensen
• Elwyn Tinklenberg, former Mayor of Blaine (endorsed Wetterling)

General election

Candidates

• Michele Bachmann (Republican), state senator
• John Binkowski (Independence), project coordinator for Johnson Controls
• Patty Wetterling (Democratic-Farmer-Labor), children's safety advocate; mother of Jacob Wetterling

Campaign

Wetterling had previously run for the seat in 2004 against Mark Kennedy, and was widely regarded to have had a strong showing that year. The resignation of Florida Republican Mark Foley after allegations that he sent sexually suggestive messages to underage congressional pages boosted Wetterling's campaign, as it highlighted an issue that she was very visible on. Bachmann proceeded to accuse Wetterling of politicising child abuse, a claim that was criticised by Clara Jeffery, editor-in-chief of Mother Jones. The race broke Minnesota records for spending on a House of Representatives election, with a total of $4.6 million being spent.

Debates

Endorsements

Executive officials

• George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States
• Dick Cheney, 46th Vice President of the United States
• Karl Rove, White House Deputy Chief of Staff

State officials

• Jim Knoblach, state representative
• Phil Krinkie, state representative Local officials
• Elwyn Tinklenberg, former Mayor of Blaine

Organizations

• EMILY's List
• League of Conservation Voters
• Service Employees International Union

Polls and ratings

The election was considered highly competitive, in early October, CQPolitics.com rated it as "No Clear Favorite".

Polling

Results

References

References

1. (May 6, 2006). "Bachmann wins GOP endorsement for U.S. House in 6th District".
2. (June 14, 2005). "Tinklenberg enters 6th District congressional race".
3. (May 14, 2006). "Wetterling wins 6th District DFL endorsement".
4. (October 2, 2006). "Scandal Raises Profile of Wetterling's Top Issue In Minn. 6". The New York Times.
5. Croman, John. (October 10, 2006). "Are third party candidates relevant?". [[KARE (TV).
6. (September 3, 2016). "Patty Wetterling: "Jacob has been found and our hearts are broken," KARE reports". Northland News Center.
7. (September 24, 2006). "A Campaign in Crisis Mode". The New York Times.
8. (October 8, 2006). "Patty Wetterling: A Voice of Conscience on Foley Scandal and Child Abuse (And Why You Should Call Power Line's Scott Johnson)".
9. (November 23, 2007). "Bachmann wins most-expensive race".
10. (November 8, 2006). "Bachmann retains 6th District seat for GOP". [[KCMP]].
11. (September 27, 2006). "The Daily Digest: 9-27-06".
12. (September 26, 2006). "The case of the vanishing no-show".
13. (November 2, 2006). "God not choosing sides in 6th, Bachmann says".
14. (August 22, 2006). "Bush campaigns for Bachmann".
15. (July 31, 2006). "Minnesota House Race Pits Two Women Whose Politics Couldn't Be More Different".
16. (September 25, 2006). "The League of Conservation Voters endorses Ramstad and Wetterling".
17. (October 18, 2006). "SEIU running radio ads on behalf of Wetterling".
18. [http://www.kaaltv.com/article/view/105951/ Star Tribune Minnesota Poll]
19. [http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/10/04/6thdistrict/ Reuters/Zogby]
20. [http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/10/04/6thdistrict/ SurveyUSA]
21. "Minnesota Secretary of State, Election Results for 2006 General Election, 6th Congressional District". Minnesota Secretary of State.