Dems likely to face primary in Bachmann's district

Democrats appear to have a primary on their hands in Rep. Michele Bachmann's (R-Minn.) district, as Dr. Maureen Reed has informed supporters that she won't abide by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party's endorsement.

State Sen. Tarryl Clark has gradually asserted herself over Reed as the DFL establishment favorite, and when that happens in Minnesota, the next question is whether the other candidate will pursue a primary.

After dropping some hints in recent months, Reed said in an e-mail to supporters, "I have decided that if I do not receive the endorsement at the convention this spring, we will proceed to the DFL primary election."

Reed, a former Independence Party candidate for lieutenant governor, appears as though she will be running more to the middle against Clark. She stressed in the e-mail that the convention isn't representative of the Democratic electorate.

She said "the 6th district is unique in that it is more moderate and independently minded in its political leanings than the state as a whole. In fact, we conducted a poll which showed that the profile of the Democratic primary voter is more diverse in political philosophy than those who participate in the conventions."

Minnesota's primary is in September, and Democrats would like for the focus to be exclusively on Bachmann, so a primary situation isn't ideal for them.

Reed has also shown the ability to raise substantial funds, pulling in $230,000 in the second quarter before seeing her fundraising drop off with Clark's entry.