CQ Politics upgrades MN-O1 from Lean Democratic to Democrat Favored

In the article CQ Race Ratings Changes Part One: Democratic Money Lessens Republican Chances for Victory:

• Minnesota’s 1st. (New Rating: Democrat Favored. Previous Rating: Leans Democratic). A scuffle between Republican state Sen. Dick Day and Brian Davis, an oncologist from Mayo Clinic in Rochester who emerged as the GOP nominee, drew attention to the race for this district in the southern part of the state. But freshman Democrat  Tim Walz  appears to be holding his own.

A poll released last month by the Davis campaign found that Walz led Davis 50 percent to 32 percent in the survey (with a margin of error of 5.8 points). Davis’ campaign touted the poll’s finding that in a generic match-up, 44 percent of respondents said they would like a Democrat in Congress while 39 percent said they would like a Republican. That close result, the campaign said, indicated Walz’s vulnerability. However, Walz has assiduously cultivated a reputation as a centrist in this nominally Republican-leaning district. He’s raised $2.5 million and had $1.1 million on hand through Sept. 30 while Davis raised $955,000 through and had $318,000 on hand by the same date.

The Rochester Post-Bulletin reports in Walz keeps cash pressure on Davis:

Incumbent Rep. Tim Walz, D-Mankato continued to dominate the cash race against his challenger, Republican physician Brian Davis of Rochester, according to third quarter disclosures filed this week with the Federal Election Commission. . . .

. . .Walz's campaign, in a statement, said more than 8,000 individuals have donated to the campaign. Campaign manager Chris Schmitter said the congressman's fundraising showed "strong, grassroots support" for his re-election.

Mike Spellings, campaign manager for Davis, said the campaign held back on buying advertising until October. He said Davis continues to raise money and the campaign will have enough cash to compete in the final weeks of the election.

Does Brian Davis honestly think that the Walz campaign isn't continuing to raise money as well? Readers who are able should contribute here--and join the grassroots wave of volunteers.