Pilots union head backs Oberstar over former pilot

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The head of the Air Line Pilots Association is backing Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar over Republican challenger Chip Cravaack (cra-VACK'), a former member of the pilots union.

Oberstar's campaign said Monday that pilots union president John Prater endorsed the 18-term representative.

Oberstar heads the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where Prater says he has helped ensure a culture of aviation safety and stood up for pilots and other union members.

Cravaack is a former Northwest Airlines pilot who has been playing up his union background as he campaigns in union-friendly territory in northeastern Minnesota's 8th District.