Cummins endorsed as Oberstar's GOP opponent

Pine County energy efficiency consultant Mike Cummins was endorsed by the 8th District Republican Party for his run against U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar (DFL-Chisholm).

A source familiar with the proceedings inside the convention tells me the response from many rank-and-file 8th CD GOPers is underwhelming. A movement to draft a Republican mayor from the district's southern half was unsuccessful. Cummins will file this week for the office.

With just under four months to start and build a campaign against Jim Oberstar, Cummins certainly has his work cut out for him. He gave me the first interview of his campaign last week. He struck a different tone from most Republican candidates with talk about conservation and the limited use of alternative energy sources, but in comments on this blog and over the weekend has adopted a more traditional slate of GOP positions.