NORTH BRANCH, Minn. (AP) — Republican Rep. Chip Cravaack is kicking off his re-election campaign in northeastern Minnesota after Democratic primary voters chose former Rep. Rick Nolan as his opponent.

Cravaack said Wednesday in North Branch that Nolan is “a big government guy.”

Cravaack says he’s a good fit for the district. He cited his efforts to require more American steel in building projects and for faster approval of precious metals mining.

Nolan’s not silent the day after his big victory. He told Minnesota Public Radio he is a “real true native of this district.” Democrats are expected to make an issue of Cravaack’s family moving to New Hampshire.

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