Diana Longrie intends to challenge U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum for the DFL nomination in the Fourth Congressional District.The former Maplewood mayor made the surprise announcement at Saturday's Senate District 53 convention.

More than $2 million was raised by candidates in the 6th Congressional District in 2009. That makes it easily the most expensive U.S. House contest in Minnesota so far this election cycle.

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann raised more money in 2009 than any other House member from Minnesota. The 6th Congressional District legislator pulled in more than $1.5 million and reported having just over $1 million in the bank.

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., who is seeking a a third term this fall, ended the 2009 Federal Election Commission reporting cycle with more than $1 million in cash on hand, her campaign reported today.

Democrat Maureen Hackett, who is trying to unseat 3rd Congressional District Rep. Erik Paulsen, raised $138,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009. The psychiatrist and U.S. Air Force veteran had $129,000 cash on hand at the end of the year, according to her campaign.

Freshman U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn., has raised almost $1.2 million in campaign contributions, including $274,863 in the final quarter of 2009, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson raised just over $120,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009. The 10-term Democrat had roughly $620,000 cash on hand at the end of the year, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission.

Lee Byberg, a vice president with Life-Science Innovations, plans to challenge U.S. Rep. Colin Peterson in the 7th Congressional District, according to a report in the Morris Sun Tribune. The Willmar resident is a Republican and father of three.

Six more Minnesotans have registered campaign committees with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board to run for seats in the Legislature.

AFSCME announces support for White's intra-party challenge in District 31A against DFL Rep. Pelowski