MN-8: No Endorsement

Democratic delegates in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District, a geographically huge seat that stretches from the Canadian border almost to the Twin Cities’ outer northern suburbs, met in Duluth over the weekend to officially endorse a candidate to succeed retiring Rep. Rick Nolan (D-Crosby/ Duluth).  But, no candidate could obtain the required support level to earn the party endorsement after ten rounds of voting. 
 
The two candidates who survived the longest were former state Rep. Joe Radinovich and ex-CIA analyst Leah Phifer.  State Rep. Jason Metsa (D-Virginia), viewed by some as the favorite to eventually win the Democratic nomination, was eliminated after the third round.  The aforementioned three candidates, along with retired television news anchor Michelle Lee, and North Branch Mayor Kirsten Kennedy, will advance to an August 14th primary election. 
 
Republicans have endorsed St. Louis County Commissioner Pete Stauber, who will be unopposed for the party nomination.  Independent Skip Sandman has also qualified for the November ballot.  This campaign is a Republican conversion opportunity.

--Jim Ellis