03 November 2008
Minnesota 1st
A Midwest State on the Northern Border
A predominantly rural district in the southern part of the state, the Minnesota 1st runs along the Iowa border. Although 90 percent of the 1st District's population is white, a steady stream of Hispanic, Asian and black immigrants are moving into the district seeking employment, bringing both cultural and political diversity. The largest cities are Rochester, Mankato, Winona, Austin and Owatonna.
NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT
• Despite Big Obama Win in Minnesota, State’s Next Senator Unknown
• Democrat Barack Obama Favored in Minnesota, Polls Show
• Minnesota Senator’s Vote on Rescue Bill Boosts Rival’s Campaign
• Minnesota Primary Finalizes Ballot for November Races
• Candidates Bring Differing Views of Future to Minnesota Campaign
• Immigration Reform Major Issue in Minnesota Food-Processing City
• Minnesotans’ Shaky Party Loyalty Big Factor in Fall Elections
• Decaying Infrastructure on the Minds of Minnesota Voters
• Southern Minnesota's Congressional Candidates Focus on Economy
• Minnesota 1st is Home to World-Famous Medical Center
• Undecided Voters to Determine Election, Minnesotans Say
• Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
• Voters Focused on Immigration, Iraq
• Famous Americans from Minnesota
OVERVIEW
Population: 614,952. Although 90 percent of the 1st District's population is white, Hispanic, Asian and black immigrants are moving into the district.
Geography: One of the state's three rural districts, the 1st runs across the state's southern border with Iowa. The largest cities are Rochester, Mankato, Winona, Austin and Owatonna.
Major industries: Agriculture, food processing and health care are major industries. Corn, soybeans, sugar beets, hogs and dairy are agricultural staples.
Congressional Leaders: Representative Tim Walz, a Democrat, is serving his first term in the House of Representatives. Minnesota's senators are Norm Coleman, a first-term Republican, and Amy Klobuchar, a first-term Democrat.
Local newspapers: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Mankato Free Press and Winona Daily Press
POLITICAL HISTORY
Rochester, the district's largest city, historically has favored Republicans. However, in 2006, it aligned itself with the 1st's many smaller towns and farmers that supported the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. National issues, along with debate about a $2 billion rail expansion through Rochester and southern Minnesota, influenced voters to support Democrat Walz over the six-term Republican incumbent. The district has a history of giving support to independents.
Walz is running for re-election and faces physician Brian Davis. Some political experts believe the Minnesota Senate race could be one of the most competitive in the country. Incumbent Republican Norm Coleman is running against nationally known comedian Al Franken.
KEY ISSUES
Traditionally, issues important to rural districts such as farming, health care and education are important to 1st District voters, but so are national issues such as the war in Iraq. Voters' dissatisfaction with congressional and party leaders may be important in 2008, as it was in 2006.
INTERESTING FACT
Rochester is home to the world-renowned medical practice the Mayo Clinic.
The lands of the Minnesota 1st were once occupied by the American Indian tribes Sioux, Ojibwa and Winnebago.
In the 19th century, Rochester was a stagecoach stop on the road connecting St. Paul, Minnesota, with Dubuque, Iowa.
Canada geese stay in the Minnesota 1st all year because the power plant on Rochester’s artificially created Silver Lake generates enough heat to keep the lake from freezing.
Rochester is home to what might be the world’s largest “ear of corn” -- a water tower next to the Seneca Foods plant.
