Think of the children: Paulsen, debate Barnes

MPR and other venues are reporting that CD3 DFL challenger Brian Barnes has challenged incumbent Republican congressman Erik Paulsen to a State Fair contest in his choice of three categories: butter carving, cow milking or corndog eating.

It's come to this since Paulsen won't agree to debate his opponent.

Minnesota Public Radio reports in With no debates in sight, Barnes challenges Paulsen to State Fair contests:

. . .Barnes is offering Paulsen a less political, State Fair-themed option although Paulsen would have to act fast, since the Fair ends Monday.

"I challenge him to a contest of cow milking, butter carving or corndog eating - he can take his pick," said Barnes in a statement. "If I had a voting record like his, I would be afraid to debate also."

Barnes, a businessman, is considered by political handicappers to be a long-shot candidate to oust Paulsen. The Republican has more than a 30-to-1 cash advantage over Barnes.

Keith Ellison, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Betty McCollum debated their underfunded, long-shot opponents earlier in the week, so we're not sure when Paulsen earned immunity.

We're hoping Paulsen turns down the contest challenge and agrees to a debate sometime before the election, though in a pinch butter carving or cow milking would do.

But Bluestem shudders at the optics of watching any member of Minnesota's congressional delegation or their challengers eat corndogs. Like the photo of Congresswoman Bachmann at the Iowa State Fair, these images don't go away.