GOP's Kline wins 2nd District in Minn.

LAKEVILLE, Minn., Nov. 6 (UPI) -- The third time was the charm for Republican John Kline in Minnesota's redrawn 2nd Congressional District.

Kline won Tuesday's election over Democrat Bill Luther, finally besting Luther after two previous tries. With 58 percent of the vote counted, Kline led 54 percent to 42 percent.

Luther eked out narrow victories over Kline in 1998 and 2000 in what used to be the 6th Congressional District -- the last time by just 5,440 votes.

The race was one of those targeted by national political leaders, and President George W. Bush helped Kline fill his war chest.

William Flanigan, professor of political science at the University of Minnesota, said the character of the district had changed significantly from 2000, becoming much more Republican because of the redistricting.

"This new district voted relatively one-sidedly for Bush (in 2000)," he said.

Kline, 55, spent 25 years in the Marines, stationed all over the world. He served in both Vietnam and Somalia, retiring with the rank of colonel in 1994. He works as a leadership consultant and also manages the family farm.