Local labor leaders this week endorsed state Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark (D) in her 6th district House bid.

Democrats targeted Rep. Michele Bachmann (R) with no success in the past two cycles, and now two Democrats are seeking to challenge the controversial Congresswoman: Clark and physician Maureen Reed.

The SEIU Minnesota State Council announced it is backing Clark, a strong signal that Democrats may be poised to coalesce behind her for the nomination.

“Whenever Minnesota’s workers have needed her, Tarryl has been there,— said Julie Schnell, the president of the SEIU Minnesota State Council. “Whether inside the Capitol or alongside workers in the field, Tarryl has always stood up for the best interests of hard-working Minnesotans. We’re proud to stand with her, and ready to get to work to win this election.—

Bachmann defeated former Blaine Mayor Elwin Tinklenberg (D) in 2008, 46 percent to 43 percent, despite a last-minute effort from the national party and a large cash influx to the Democrat’s campaign.