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Minnesota's endorsement process faces renewed scrutiny as candidates forge ahead

On May 30, delegates at the Minnesota State Convention in Duluth switched to paper ballots after electronic voting anomalies, eventually endorsing Kendall Qualls for governor with 60.4% of the vote.
Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Alex Plechash initially suggested releasing candidates from endorsement pledges on Monday, June 1, citing unusual voting circumstances; the State Executive Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to reject his authority to do so.
Professor Steven E. Schier stated activists who 'fight bitterly to maintain' the endorsement process are main beneficiaries, while analyst David Schultz noted only 2-3% of the population participates in local caucuses producing convention delegates.
Despite Qualls receiving the endorsement, House Speaker Lisa Demuth and several other candidates are moving forward to compete in the August 11 primary, effectively bypassing convention results.
Republicans have not won a statewide office in 20 years, and some observers suggest poor November results could finally force a broader evaluation of Minnesota's endorsement process.

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Minnesota's endorsement process faces renewed scrutiny as candidates forge ahead

ST. PAUL — After long convention weekends, the value of the candidate endorsement process is being called into question once again. Several candidates are moving forward toward the Aug. 11 primary regardless of whether they won over their party delegates. House Speaker Lisa Demuth is still running despite Kendall Qualls receiving the GOP endorsement for governor. U.S. Rep Angie Craig opted out of the process entirely before her opponent, Lt. Gov…

17 hours ago·Cherokee County, United States

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