Minnesota's endorsement process faces renewed scrutiny as candidates forge ahead
Electronic voting problems and multiple contested primaries are renewing debate over whether party endorsements still help Republicans win statewide races.
- 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 circumstances; the State Executive Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to reject that authority.
- Professor Steven E. Schier stated activists who 'fight bitterly to maintain' the endorsement process are its main beneficiaries, while analyst David Schultz noted only 2-3% of the population participates in local caucuses producing delegates.
- Despite Qualls receiving the endorsement, House Speaker Lisa Demuth and several other candidates are bypassing convention results to compete in the August 11 primary regardless of party backing.
- Republicans have not won a statewide office in 20 years, and observers suggest poor November results could finally force a broader evaluation of Minnesota's endorsement system and its future viability.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Our View: GOP stung by its own voting “anomaly,” breaks primary pact
Citing voting “irregularities” at its recent state convention, the Minnesota Republican Party should accept responsibility for deceiving delegates in what surely is a monumental irony for the party that continues to insist voting in Minnesota and the nation is somehow…
Duluth News Tribune
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…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
