DULUTH (AP) — The state DFL party has endorsed former congressman Rick Nolan to oppose Republican U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaack in the state's 8th Congressional District.

DFL party chair Ken Martin released a statement Saturday calling Nolan a proven leader who will work to create jobs.

The other Democrats in the race include former state Sen. Tarryl Clark and former Duluth councilman Jeff Anderson.

Clark already told supporters in March that she plans to take her campaign for the Democratic nomination directly to a summer primary. She made clear that she wouldn't abide by the decision of the endorsing committee.

The state Republican party responded to Nolan's endorsement by saying he continues to promote failed policies and unpopular ideas.

Cravaack upset longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar in the 2010 election.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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