The Lake Elmo Leader recently published a story covering El Tinklenberg's candidacy for US Congress in the 6th District. The story covered El's resume of non-partisan work for the public interest, as well as his middle-of-the-road, pragmatic approach to politics.

Read the full article after the jump.

Two years ago Democrats passed over Elwyn Tinklenberg and picked child-safety advocate Patty Wetterling for Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District race.

This year, Tinklenberg has two political parties’ support and wants voters to pass over Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann and send him to Congress.

“I thought it was still possible for us to get people working together and make some progress on really important issues that the country is facing,” Tinklenberg said of his second bid in the district that encompasses the eastern and northern Twin Cities suburbs and extends northwest to St. Cloud, including the Stillwater and Lake Elmo area.

Tinklenberg argues that Bachmann has taken such a conservative stand during her first term that her votes actually go against many constituents’ best interests. Tinklenberg said she has voted against transportation spending, veterans’ benefits, agriculture legislation, mental health policies and congressional ethics reform – all Democratic proposals he would have supported.

“She has proven herself to be out of step with the district,” Tinklenberg said.

The Democrat is trying to woo voters by talking about his experience working at various levels of government. Tinklenberg, a former United Methodist minister, is a former Blaine city council member and mayor. He is most recognized for his service as state transportation commissioner to ex-Gov. Jesse Ventura. He also has worked on transportation issues at the federal level.

By putting emphasis on his moderate stance, he got the DFL Party endorsement and the Minnesota Independence Party’s backing earlier this year.

The 6th District is the most conservative of Minnesota’s eight congressional districts, but Tinklenberg said Democrats can be successful. He cites U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s 2006 win there as evidence. Tinklenberg is more conservative than Wetterling, whom Bachmann beat comfortably.

Still, some doubt Tinklenberg has what it takes to win. He has struggled to compete with Bachmann in the fund-raising race; the Republican incumbent had seven times more campaign money on hand in late August.

Bob Anderson, an Independence Party candidate who lost the endorsement to Tinklenberg, said the Democrat just isn’t conservative enough.

“I’ve been trying to convince the Democrats that El isn’t the strongest” challenger, he said. “If he needs two (party endorsements), he’s not the candidate.”

Tinklenberg said his message is resonating with voters. And, he predicted he will benefit from a surge of voter support for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama.

“We think there will be a good turnout, and that will be good for us,” he said.