House District 08B
- Tim Faust - DFL (Campaign Finance Bd.)
- Judy Soderstrom - R (Campaign Finance Bd.)
100% rural. It is known largely for the Grand Casino Indian gaming establishment, which has brought much needed economic development and a substantial increase in the number of jobs. Long before Grand Casino, Hinkley was known for Toby's restaurant (and its world famous caramel rolls), still a popular stop for vacationers traveling I-35. The district is also home to the Audubon Center of the Northwoods and the Willard Munger Trail, which touts itself as the longest paved trail in the U.S. Willard Munger (1911-1999) served 42 years in the House, the longest of any legislator past or present. For many years, he chaired the House Environment Committee where he championed progressive environmental policy changes. Politically, because of the population growth in the southern part of the district, the district is growing more Republican and is considered to be a swing district.
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Morning Reports
This is a race to watch
8B is very much a swing district. Rep. Soderstrom won her re-election in 2004 by 76 votes after a recount. Rep. Faust won in 2006 by just over 700 votes, with a presumably low turnout of GOP voters. A predential year could swing it back the other way.
The first parade of the year, in Hinckley, brought out former Rep. Soderstrom with her trademark "bubble machine" parade float, and three dozen red-shirted volunteers of all ages in support. Faust's parade appearances are much lower profile. As an observer asked, "Was Faust even in the parade?"