Bill Luther was considered a heavyweight in the 1994 congressional race because of his war chest, his 20 years in the state Legislature and his post as assistant Senate majority leader since 1982. He was elected _ but by fewer than 600 votes. He had been aiming for a congressional seat since former U.S. Rep. Gerry Sikorski lost in 1992. He was among the Democratic candidates to share the stage with President Clinton during Clinton's campaign swing through Minnesota in 1992. He was a political liberal but said during the 1994 campaign that he would emphasize controlling crime and other "bread and butter" issues. He also supported legal abortion. He said he wanted to restore people's confidence in government.

Luther is the giant of Minnesota's congressional delegation when it comes to raising campaign cash. Through June, the Democrat has collected almost $1.3 million for his re-election campaign, but he faces a well-organized challenger who has the support of top Republicans. The district is widely considered the most closely divided in the state between Republicans and Democrats, and television commercials are expensive in the metropolitan area.

Luther raises money from a wide variety of sources and people from all walks of life. Luther serves on the House Commerce Committee. The liberal Americans for Democratic Action gave Luther's 2001 voting record 95 out of a possible 100 points; the American Conservative Union gave him 16 points.