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TOM SCHECK: All of the candidates say they oppose the war in Iraq, want to raise the nation's minimum wage, and want to repeal President Bush's tax cuts benefiting upper income Americans. Without major policy differences among the candidates on many of the top national issues, the race for the DFL nomination seems to focus more on the different styles and voting blocks in Minnesota's 5th. The district includes Minneapolis and several suburbs.

During the debate, Keith Ellison, the DFL endorsed candidate, touted his four-year career in the legislature. Ellison appeared to woo the anti-war, labor, and environmentalist voting blocks in the district. He says he protested the war in Iraq before it started, wants to remove restrictions on union organizing, and used his legislative seat to push measures to clean up mercury pollution.

Ellison likened his political approach to two lions of the DFL Party-- the late Senator Paul Wellstone and Congressman Martin Sabo.

KEITH ELLISON: I combine the passion of a Wellstone together with the practical ability of a Martin Sabo.

TOM SCHECK: While Ellison says he has Sabo's practical ability, , former DFL Party Chair Mike Erlandson has Sabo's endorsement. Erlandson touted his 19 years of experience working in Sabo's Washington offices. Erlandsson, who was Sabo's chief of staff before he entered the race, says he understands the district better than anyone else.

MIKE ERLANDSON: It is not an out front job. You haven't seen me pounding the pavement or you haven't seen me sticking shovels in the ground, but I've been doing is behind the scenes working to get the job done for my entire adult life for the 5th Congressional district of Minnesota.

TOM SCHECK: While Erlandsson says he's ready to hit the ground running in Washington, Minneapolis City Council member Paul Ostrow was portraying himself as a public safety candidate. Ostrow has the endorsement of the Minneapolis firefighters, and touted his career as a prosecutor. Ostrow has also been the most vocal critic of Keith Ellison.

Ellison had his driver's license suspended for not paying parking tickets and was fined by the campaign Finance Board for not filing the proper paperwork as a state lawmaker. Ellison has publicly apologized for both incidents. But Ostrow says candidates for Congress need to be held to the highest standards.

KEITH ELLISON: And I have said and will continue to say, that following the rule of law is important. And if you're going to Washington, you need to show that you will follow the rule of law.

TOM SCHECK: Former State Senator Ember Reichgott Junge said she's the candidate who has the most experience in elective office. She appeared to seek the support of women voters by saying she's the only pro-choice female DFLer in the race, and wants more funding for child care assistance. Reichgott Junge criticized President Bush and the Republican controlled Congress for cutting child care assistance and funding for after school programs.

EMBER REICHGOTT JUNGE: Do you know the major cuts that are going on in child care? Do you know what this administration is doing? They're forgetting you have to take care of your children. And how can single parents work, if you don't have money for child care?

TOM SCHECK: This is the first of several debates among Ellison, Reichgott Junge, Ostrow, and Erlandson. The four will meet at a forum hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council later this week. There are three other DFLers running in the September primary, Andrew Vincent Favorite, Gregg Iverson, and Patrick Wiles.

Since Minnesota's 5th is considered a DFL stronghold, the winner of the September primary will be considered the frontrunner heading into the November election. Independence Party member Tammy Lee, Republican Alan Fine, and Green Party candidate Jay Pond are also on the November ballot.

Reporting from the Capitol, I'm Tom Scheck, Minnesota Public Radio News.