Former U.S. Rep. James `` Jim '' Oberstar , who represented Minnesota 's 8th congressional district for over a quarter century , has died . Oberstar was 79 . Oberstar was elected in 1974 as a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party , known as DFL , and held his seat from 1975 to 2011 . He was elected among one of the largest classes of freshman Democrats in the House after the Watergate scandal broke in 1974 . President Barack Obama praised Oberstar for his commitment to the people of Minnesota . `` Jim cared deeply about the people of Minnesota , devoting his 36 years of service to improving America 's infrastructure , creating opportunity for hardworking Minnesotans , and building a strong economy for future generations of Americans , '' Obama said in a statement released by the White House . President Bill Clinton remembered Minnesota 's longest-serving Congressman as a tireless public servant . `` Jim was a devoted friend and supporter of the Haitian people . I relied on him for advice on Haiti first as President and again after the terrible Haitian earthquake in 2010 , '' Clinton said in a statement . Oberstar was the state 's longest-serving member of Congress . He became chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in 2006 . In a close race , he lost to Republican challenger Chip Cravaack in the Republican House takeover in 2010 . `` Jim Oberstar knew everything there was to know about our nation 's infrastructure , and fought tirelessly to rebuild and renew it , '' House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said . `` ... His passing is heartbreaking news for his friends and former colleagues from both sides of the aisle . It was an honor and a privilege to work alongside him , and we only hope it is a comfort to his wife Jean , his children and his grandchildren that so many share in their loss at this sad time . '' Minnesota officials are mourning Oberstar 's loss . DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin said that the state lost a true Minnesota legend . Gov . Mark Dayton called him a `` true champion '' for Minnesota . Sen. Amy Klobuchar tweeted he was a `` man of true purpose and grit . '' Oberstar is survived by his wife , four children and eight grandchildren . People we 've lost in 2014 .
Jim Oberstar represented Minnesota 's first congressional district for over a quarter century . Oberstar was elected in over a quarter century as a member of the Republican -Farmer-Labor Party . President Clinton : `` Jim cared deeply about the people of America '' President Clinton : `` Jim was a good friend , a true and tireless public servant ''