Some people would be daunted at the idea of running against a two-term incumbent Republican, especially on a non-presidential election year.  But State Senator Tarryl Clark isn’t just “some people.”  A lawyer, organizer and local politician, Clark has been raising money and gathering support, and is ready to take on the most conservative female congresswoman since Colorado Representative Marilyn Musgrave left office, and perhaps the most inflammatory female congresswoman, ever.

I had a chance this weekend to listen to Clark as she met with a group of women writers and activists at a roundtable set up by EMILY’s List at this year’s Netroots Nation convention in Las Vegas.  As a Minnesotan, Clark’s campaign against Rep. Bachmann is already something I avidly follow, but I’d never had the chance to see the Democratic candidate in her element. 

“I’m running because Washington is still not working for folks, and we have a congresswoman who really isn’t, either,” Clark told the group of progressive women. “[Bachmann] has made it clear she is interested in other things, and we want to help her with that ambition.”

The Beginning

Clark’s personal story of how she got into politics is a very strong reminder of why we should all be encouraging women to run for office.

“Like a lot of women, I was never going to run for office.  I did a lot of organizing and worked to get women and young people involved.  Then I ran and I ran more than once and I won.  We door-knocked the heck out of the place, and we won.”

Being an advocate for women and families is one of the many roles Clark looks forward to bringing to the office.  “I look at the opportunities we have, especially for women who are trying to do their best for their families.”  One of the key ways that we can help woman is the same way that we can help all who are struggling currently – focus on the economy, job creation, and a safety net for those who are out of work.  “Rep. Bachmann has voted against every measure that would create jobs, that would help with unemployment,” reminded Clark.

Impossible?

But can she win?  After all, Bachmann is a voracious fundraiser, loved and financially supported by national conservatives who have huge influence and even deeper pockets.  “We’re in striking distance in the polls,” Clark noted, “And we’ve raised over $2 million.   Plus, we’re highly focused on organizing in the district.”

Clark explained that unlike past Bachmann challengers, her campaign is prepared not just with money, but also with the most necessary resource – people.   She’s brought in campaign staff from successful races like those of Sen. Al Franken and Sen. Amy Klobuchar.  She’s door-knocking, fundraising, and still working on making sure all of the voters know who she is and what she stands for.  “The polling between the two of us is now 9 points apart.  We still need to work on name recognition, but it’s jumped up about 15 points since the early polling.”

Bachman Liabilities

One thing that has also changed since early polling is Bachmann’s national media schedule.  She’s been speaking out constantly against the administration, against health care reform, and most recently, as an advocate for BP after the huge toxic oil spill.  “We have been hitting her hard on BP,” Clark said.  “The ads have been geared to independents and moderates.”  And all of the Clark campaign’s efforts on being sure the district hears Bachmann’s radical messages, is drawing the race even closer.   “We are even with people aged 50 and over.  I’m doing better with women, but she’s doing a lot better with men.”

Why have people in the past been so eager to vote for Bachmann? “You’ve got to realize that up until she made that Hardball comment, she had been very disciplined,” said Clark.   “She was a great retail politician.  She can come across as moderate, articulate and attractive.”  But all that seems to be changing with her more activist role in the Republican party.  “When people found out she wasn’t fighting for them, they flee quickly.”

Sarah on Her Side

One thing Bachmann’s newfound media persona has won her is the vocal support of media superstar Sarah Palin.  But how does that translate to Bachmann’s race?  Does Palin’s support actually help her or hurt her with the voters in her district?  “It raised her a boatload of money,” admitted Clark.  “I don’t know that Sarah helps her a lot in the district.  The people that support her are already with her.  Even in my part of the district I’m not really sure.  But it definitely helps with the fundraising.”

Winning

So how will Clark continue to win over the voters of her district, many of whom consider themselves to be moderate and independent?  “I have a strong track-record of doing what I say I am going to do,” said Clark.  “When I was out at National Night Out, at each of those places I visited I had at least one police officer or firefighter telling me how he was supporting me. ‘I don’t normally vote on your side, I’m an independent,’ they’d tell me.  ‘ But you aren’t a usual politician – when you say you are going to do something, you do it.’”

And what will happen if the race turns to social issues, Bachmann’s favorite cup of tea?  Clark remained fairly unconcerned.  “I developed and ran teen pregnancy programs, I have worked with pregnant women.   I’m the only one in this race who has actually done anything to stop abortion.”

We know in Minnesota that whatever the results, this will be a close, tough race, and one that will have an enormous amount of money behind it when all is said and done.  But for now, fundraising, organizing, and good old-fashioned campaigning is making the race tighter.  Now we wait to see if it’s enough to bring Clark a win.