At 5 p.m. Monday, the Republican candidates for 1st Congressional District of Minnesota will appear in their first Congressional debate. This is a great opportunity for local residents to meet the two candidates who have announced they are running for the Republican endorsement: Jim Hagedorn and state Sen. Carla Nelson.

This will be a very competitive race in 2018 as it is rated as one of only three Congressional seats without a Republican or Democrat favorite as rated by the Cook Political Report. All political eyes will be on southern Minnesota during the 2018 elections.

The event is open to the public and kicks off the 2018 election cycle. The event will be held at Wedgewood Cove, 2200 W. Ninth St. in Albert Lea and is being coordinated and sponsored by the Freeborn County Republican Party.

Brian Hensley

Albert Lea