Paulsen Facing Tough Re-Election Battle With Bonoff In 3rd District
PLYMOUTH, Minn. (WCCO) -- Less than a week before Election Day, a Minnesota congressional race is getting national attention.
It's the 3rd District race with Republican Minnesota Congressman Erik Paulsen facing a tough re-election battle against Democratic state senator Terri Bonoff. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan is in the Twin Cities Wednesday to support Paulsen.
Speaker Paul Ryan said Tuesday for the first time that he voted early for the Republican nominee, refusing to use Donald Trump's name. Congressman Paulsen said three weeks ago, he won't vote Trump.
It's the issue that's dogged Paulsen in the campaign, one of the most closely watched in the country.
Republican leaders rallied Wednesday at an apprentice training facility in Plymouth.
Terri Bonoff is talking business.
Both candidates call themselves pro-business. But Bonoff said what sets her apart from Paulsen are business-friendly policies that he opposes: Gay marriage, gun safety and climate change.
"Businesses understand that they need to have an environment that is inclusive, that is welcoming to their customers, and certainly to their employees. And so these are economic issues," Bonoff said.
The 3rd District race features a flurry of television ads, fueled by more than $10 million in spending. Paulsen's ads mostly negative against Bonoff until now, when he's telling voters he'll work across the aisle.
"No matter who the next President is, I'll work with them," Paulsen said.
Paulsen has struggled to separate himself from Donald Trump, after first saying he'd support the party nominee then recently denouncing him.
Bonoff is repeatedly linking Paulsen's views on social issues -- to Trump.
"Donald wants to punish women and Erik even wants to overturn Roe v Wade," Bonoff said.
It's a district President Obama won in 2012, with changing demographics.
"It is a district where you see Democrats and Republicans winning different races. Erik Paulsen has his hands full in a district that is increasingly moderate," political analyst Larry Jacobs said.
Since September, Paulsen has repeatedly declined our requests for an interview about the campaign and about Donald Trump.