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Minnesota woman to be in first lady box during Obama speech

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minnesota woman who was highlighted last summer by President Barack Obama is getting another turn in the spotlight.

The White House announced Monday that Rebekah Erler is among 22 invited guests who will sit with first lady Michelle Obama at Tuesday's State of the Union address. The St. Anthony woman had one-on-one time with the president in June when he shared her story during a Minnesota visit used to focus on struggles of the middle class.

Erler is an accountant and mother of two young boys. She wrote to Obama about how her family suffered after her husband's construction business folded. Both are working again and recently bought their first home.

It's tradition for presidents to invite people whose stories of tragedy or triumph highlight issues or public policy.

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