Nolan outlasts Cravaack in 8th

By Peter Passi, Forum Communications

DULUTH — After snaring less than two hours sleep Wednesday morning, Congressman-elect Rick Nolan, D-Crosby, agreed to share some of his thoughts and plans with the Duluth News Tribune.
As for his nearly 9 point victory margin Tuesday over Rep. Chip Cravaack, R-North Branch, Nolan said he was quite frankly taken aback.
political edge
Nolan, a 68-year-old Brainerd native, attributed his win in part to his deep roots in the district as a fourth-generation resident of Northern Minnesota. Up until now, his political career has included a five-year stint as a representative in the Minnesota Legislature and six years of service representing Minnesota’s 6th District in Congress, from 1975 to 1981. Nolan’s experience outside of politics includes working as a teacher and running a sawmill and pallet factory in Emily.
In the final weeks of the campaign, Nolan’s image withstood a barrage of attack ads.
Nolan said he’s eager to get to work and pledged that the first bill he will introduce as a returning congressman will seek to amend the U.S. Constitution to address the Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizens United case, which barred restrictions on independent political expenditures by corporations and unions.
Political action committees and 501c4 organizations exploited the court decision and funneled millions of dollars into races this year.