MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Democrat Tarryl Clark is fighting the impression that she lacks ties to northeastern Minnesota after moving to Duluth to run for Congress.

Clark is the best-funded of three Democrats competing to challenge Republican Rep. Chip Cravaack, a national target for Democrats. The Associated Press interviewed Clark on Tuesday.

The former state senator faces an Aug. 14 Democratic primary against former Rep. Rick Nolan and former Duluth City Council President Jeff Anderson.

Clark is living in a leased condo in Duluth, where she moved months after losing to Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann in the 6th District. Clark’s husband remains in their St. Cloud home.

Clark is claiming strong ties to central and northeastern Minnesota through years of work as a church volunteer, nonprofit administrator, lawyer and politician.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)