HometownSource.com - Bob Anderson Back on Ballot for Sixth District Congressional Race

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By T.W. Budig

The recent withdrawal of Democrat Maureen Reed from the 6th District Congressional race actually leaves more than two candidates left standing.

Bob Anderson, who garnered 10 percent of the vote two years ago as an unendorsed Independence Party (IP) candidate, has the party endorsement now and will be back on the ballot.

The Independence Party has endorsed Bob Anderson as its candidate in the Sixth District Congressional race. He polled 10 percent of the vote as a candidate in the Sixth District last year. Incumbent Republican Michele Bachmann and DFL-endorsed Tarryl Clark are the other candidates. "I represent the average working guy," said Anderson of Woodbury, a dental technician at a family-run dental business. "I make teeth," he said. "Bob is a real guy," said Anderson, laughing.

Anderson, who considers himself politically mirroring 6th District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, R-Stillwater, on many issues except that he has a real sense of fiscal frugality and Bachmann does not, would not have run again had Reed ran as an IP candidate, he explained.

But that didn't happen. Reed withdrew from the race last weekend.

"I have come to the conclusion that a prolonged primary fight only assists Michele Bachmann. I feel that it is time for the DFL to unify behind one candidate in this race," said Reed in a statement.

Anderson spent a grand total of $800 two years ago on his candidacy, but believes his ten percent slice of the vote lends him legitimacy as a candidate and speaks of a much more visible, organized campaign this election.

Anti-incumbent mood is seen

Moreover, he looks to a perceived anti-incumbent mood in the electorate as further improving his chances.

As for DFL 6th District challenger Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, Anderson, 52, views her as a great candidate campaigning in the wrong district.

Anderson considers the 6th District the most conservative district in the state.

As for Bachmann, Anderson faults the two-term congresswoman for excessive campaign spending -- he would not spend as much on his campaign had he the money, he said -- and for having a vaulting national ambition.

At least former Alaska governor Sarah Palin resigned her office to pursue her national ambitions, Anderson explained.

Bachmann should consider doing the same -- he'd happily take care of the 6th Congressional District for her, he said.

Although Anderson faces no primary challengers, academician Aubrey Immelman is challenging Bachmann in the primary.

Immelman, a former paratrooper, sees himself offering fiscal restraint without extremist rhetoric.

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