Democrat Tim Walz of Mankato officially kicked off his campaign to unseat six-term Republican Congressman Gil Gutknecht in North Mankato Monday with a pep rally heavily attended by local supporters who applauded each time he shouted the refrain “It’s time for a change.”

A dozen teenage campaign volunteers, sporting yellow and blue “Tim Walz” T-shirts, revved up the crowd with a football-style cheer: “Pump, pump, pump it up! Pump that Tim Walz spirit up!”

In the front row were his wife, Gwen, 5-year-old daughter, Hope, his mother and mother-in-law and extended family. The crowd of about 50 others included representatives of labor unions, health-care workers, educators and Democratic activists.

It was the fifth of a seven-city swing through southern Minnesota as Walz worked to make people believe the seventh time could be the charm against Gutknecht, who actually has a 14-campaign winning streak when primary elections and state legislative races are included.

“I begin this race with hope in my heart and Hope in my hands,” Walz said, scooping up his daughter as he wrapped up his speech. “Believe me, it is time for change.”

Walz gave a preview of his campaign themes, focusing both on his varied experience and his criticisms of Gutknecht and the Republican-controlled Congress.

He noted his 24 years of service in the Army National Guard, including an overseas deployment with Operation Enduring Freedom, and promised to be a strong supporter of veterans. He addressed the need for affordable, comprehensive health care for all Americans. He promised to work toward a balanced budget and the preservation of Social Security.

He talked of cleaning up the environment and bringing ethical and moral decision-making to Washington. And the West High School geography teacher pledged to be a strong voice for young people.

“Education is not just a campaign slogan for me,” Walz said. “We can and will do better for our children.”

Walz reminded the crowd of Gutknecht’s strong support for the Republican “Contract with America” in 1994, which promised balanced budgets, term limits for members of Congress and an end to corruption in the nation’s Capitol.

“He has failed on all these promises,” Walz said, accusing Gutknecht of too often simply following the wishes of President Bush and the Republican leadership. “... He votes with a rubber stamp, not with the people of southern Minnesota.”

Gutknecht’s campaign staff couldn’t be reached for comment Monday afternoon.