MINNEAPOLIS — Rep. John Kline has easily prevailed in a Minnesota Republican primary election as he seeks a sixth term in Congress representing a southern suburban district.

Kline trounced his primary opponent, Minneapolis engineer David Gerson, to advance to November’s general election against former Democratic state Rep. Mike Obermueller.

The 2nd District race could be closer than Kline is used to because of redrawn political boundaries. National Democrats have pledged to sink money into the race, but Kline has a considerable financial advantage so far.

Kline has been easily re-elected since toppling a Democratic incumbent in 2002. Obermueller had no primary opponent.