3rd Republican Joins Hunt For Minnesota Congressional Seat

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A former Republican legislator is running for a Minnesota congressional seat long held by her party that is deemed competitive amid the incumbent's retirement.

Pam Myhra announced her 2nd Congressional District campaign on Wednesday, making her the third GOP entrant. Current Rep. John Kline is stepping down rather than trying for an eighth term in 2016.

Myhra served two terms in the Minnesota House, representing a Burnsville-area district. She left the Legislature to run for lieutenant governor on a ticket that didn't make it past the 2014 primary. She says she'll forego a primary in this campaign if another GOP candidate wins the endorsement at the party's convention.

In kicking off her bid, Myhra says her platform will be focused on controlling federal spending.

Two Democrats are running so far.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)