Menze to challenge Peterson in 7th District congressional race

Republican Glen Menze will run for a second time against veteran U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson for Minnesota's 7th District congressional seat.

The Starbuck, Minn., accountant announced Thursday he would challenge Peterson again in November. Menze was soundly defeated in his last run in 2008, garnering only 27.7 percent of the vote as Peterson was reelected for a 10th term with 72 percent of the vote.

In a release, Menze said he supports reducing the size of the federal government and focusing on job creation policies that include tax breaks for business and job training programs "that will help our workforce find job opportunities and businesses compete in our global markets."

"Peterson no longer represents the interests of the citizens of our district," Menze said. "I will vote against any legalization that will cost jobs in our district like the cap and trade bill Peterson supported and voted for recently.

Menze said he is pro life and supports the second amendment.