Minnesota – 1st District

Democrat Republican

Candidate Tim Walz Gil Gutknecht

Funds On Hand $289,000 $791,000
Recent Poll 47% 48%
Rep. Gil Gutknecht’s expected re-election to a seventh term has run up against the strong campaign of Tim Walz in
Minnesota’s 1st District. The Cook Political Report ranks this race “Lean Republican.”

The District
The southern tier of Minnesota
includes the medium-sized city of
Rochester and a broad expanse of
small towns and rural communities. It
voted for Bush narrowly in 2000 and
2004, a swing region in one of the
most closely-fought swing states of the
past three election cycles.

About Tim Walz

A small businessman and veteran of
nearly 20 years in the National Guard,
Walz is making his first run for
political office. He was a Command
Sergeant and served overseas in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom prior to his retirement. He is also experienced in education and has taught in
Macau, China. Walz is focusing on a new strategy for Iraq. He is also emphasizing ethics, education and access to health
care. He is strongly endorsed by environmental, labor and veterans’ groups. www.timwalz.com

About Gil Gutknecht

Gutknecht first won this seat in the Republican wave of 1994. He is a reliable vote for the GOP agenda on health care,
Social Security and the war in Iraq. He has come under fire locally for his inability to bring a resolution to a dispute
between small towns that depend on the DM&E Railroad and the Rochester businesses that oppose it. www.gilg.org

Fundraising and Polling

Gutknecht reported $1.1 million raised and $791,000 on hand. Walz has brought in $759,000, 75% from individuals, and
retains $289,000.
Originally not thought to be competitive, this race has risen rapidly on the radar screens of national observers and both
parties. The recent Majority Watch poll showed a statistical tie – Gutknecht 48, Walz 47.

Sources: www.washingtonpost.com, www.centerforpolitics.org, www.nytimes.com, www.fec.gov

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