7th Congressional District DFLers Endorse Collin Peterson

Although a record low turnout at congressional district conventions had been predicted, the room was full when the 7th Congressional District DFL convened on Saturday, April 25 for their endorsing convention. Incumbent Congressman, Collin Peterson, was unanimously elected on the first ballot.

The convention opened at 2 p.m. at Prairies Edge Casino, Granite Falls, with a drum ceremony performed by members of the Upper Sioux Nation and a stirring welcome by Tribal Leader Kevin Jensvold.

During the election of new congressional district officers for the next two years, Nancy Larson, Litchfield, was elected chair and Paul Wright, Hutchinson, vice chair. Other officers include Beth Jansen, Alexandria, secretary; Lillian Ortendahl, Osakis, treasurer; and Dyna Sluyter, Florence, Outreach Officer. Shawn Olson, Alexandria, was appointed as Technology Officer. The Seventh Congressional District is Minnesota’s largest at 39 counties, from Pipestone to Lake of the Woods, nearly the entire length of the state in western and central Minnesota.

Rep. Peterson has served as Chair of the Agriculture Committee and currently serves as the ranking member on that committee. He played a leading role in the passage of a comprehensive farm bill earlier this year, in a Congress hallmarked by gridlock. He’s most proud, though, of his strong history of constituency service and personal assistance to CD7 residents who request his help.