DFLer Graves Seeks Rematch with Bachmann

ST. CLOUD (AP) - The Democrat who narrowly lost to U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann last year is seeking a rematch.

Businessman Jim Graves will run again for Congress in Minnesota's 6th District.  That's the St. Cloud and northern Twin Cities-area seat that Republican Bachmann has held since 2006.

Graves is a longtime hotel company executive who founded Graves World Hospitality, a company with holdings that include the Graves 601 Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. He grew up in St. Cloud.

In 2012, Graves lost to Bachmann, of Stillwater, by about 4,300 votes in what was one of the nation's closest House races. His campaign manager says he felt an "outpouring of support" from people who want him to run again.

Meanwhile, Bachmann for Congress Campaign spokesman Dan Kotman released the following statement in response to Jim Graves' announcement:

"Minnesotans want jobs and a growing economy, which is why Minnesotans chose Rep. Bachmann to create jobs, lower taxes, limit government and protect their personal liberties. The voters rejected Jim Graves and his rubber stamp support of the Obama-Pelosi liberal agenda because the Obama-Pelosi agenda has left the country with chronically high unemployment, record levels of Americans on food stamps, a $16.5 trillion national debt, and fewer jobs. The last thing Minnesota families need in Congress is another liberal politician rubber stamping the Obama-Pelosi agenda of higher taxes and runaway government spending."