‘Fighting for his damn life’ and other campaign trail moments from Farmfest

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MORGAN, Minn. — A comment having nothing to do with agriculture caused the biggest stir Tuesday at Farmfest.

Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer was the only incumbent absent from a forum featuring candidates from the 6th, 7th and 8th congressional districts. His Democratic opponent in the 6th District, Doug Chapin, used it to make a point.

“I want to be the kind of representative who shows up, who’s actually out in the community,” he said. “Far too many members of Congress, unfortunately, including mine (Emmer), seem to be content to stay in Washington and away from their constituents.”

Emmer’s colleague, Rep. Pete Stauber, R-8th District, took exception.

“I want to go back to one of Doug’s comments,” he said shortly afterward. “You have no idea what Congressman Emmer is dealing with right now. If you did, you would have never made that comment. He’s fighting for his damn life today.”