He represented the district just north of me. I have heard him do call ins on the local public radio station many times. He was a fantastic representative for my state, for labor and for transportation issues.
His dad helped organize miners on the Iron Range and was very proud that his union member # was 1.
He lost the election to Chip Cravaack, not because his district suddenly became conservative, but because he put his campaign on auto pilot and did not spend any time in Mn. Cravaack made a very big deal about that and was able to squeak out a win.
Mr Oberstar will be missed by many.