While the hopes of many were dashed last fall when Elwyn Tinklenberg somehow failed to unseat Congressional Reality TV Star Michele Bachmann, I for one didn’t regret the money I sent his way for the effort. Even though I still get the occasional fundraising letter from Tinklenberg’s campaign, it seems that a new challenger may be stepping forward to fight the good fight.

Minnesota could again have one of the most closely watched congressional races in the country in 2010.

It could be a close race if Rep. Michele Bachmann faces off against a prominent Democrat who could raise a lot of money and national support.

For weeks, the political blogoshpere has been full of speculation that Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark might challenge Bachmann. On Wednesday, sources close to Clark tell 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS she will run.

I know what some of you may be thinking. “It’s Minnesota!” But I would ask you not to be too quick to judge. Yes, it’s true, this is the state that made Jesse “The Body” Ventura Governor and recently sent Al Franken to the Senate. But I know plenty of good people from that state, regardless of the electoral oddities which sometimes seem to grip them.

No, there seems to be something special about the 6th Congressional District which sends Bachmann to Congress with a whole different brand of crazy than we see from even the looniest quadrants of the far Left and far Right. In fact, it may be the epicenter of the whole, “we don’t need no normal people here” movement. Not being a local, I don’t know how popular Clark may be or what her chances would look like in the general election, but I’ll put a few dollars aside between now and next year and contribute to the effort. Some of you joined us last year in supporting Tinklenberg by opening up your wallets. I know times are rough right now, and may well be next year as well, but I hope you’ll plan ahead and come through again.