AFSCME endorses Bonoff, Tinklenberg

State Sen. Terri Bonoff and former transportation commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg have received the backing of AFSCME Council 5, one of the state's largest and most politically powerful labor unions. Bonoff is seeking to replace retiring Rep. Jim Ramstad, but faces DFL opposition from Iraq War vet Ashwin Madia and Edina Mayor Jim Hovland. (As noted below this is expected to be one of the most hotly contested House races in the country.) Tinklenberg hopes to oust freshman Rep. Michele Bachmann, a goal shared by fellow DFL'er Bob Olson, a St. Cloud businessman. Earlier this month AFSCME also endorsed the senate candidacy of Al Franken.