Jim Oberstar represented Minnesota 's 8th congressional district for over a quarter century . In a close race , he lost to Republican challenger Chip Cravaack in the Republican House takeover in 2010 . Oberstar was elected in 1992 as a member of the Democratic - Farmer - Labor Party . President Obama : ` ` Jim cared deeply about the people of Minnesota '' President Clinton : ` ` Jim was a good friend , a true and tireless public servant ''
Jim Oberstar represented Minnesota 's 8th congressional district for over a quarter century . Oberstar was elected in 1992 as a member of the Democratic - Farmer - Labor Party . President Obama : ` ` Jim cared deeply about the people of Minnesota '' President Clinton : ` ` Jim was a good friend , a true and tireless public servant ''