The governor's race is expected to be the focus when Minnesota's political parties meet in caucuses across the state tonight.
The Democrats and Republicans each have a long slate of hopefuls for the party endorsement for governor. A nonbinding straw vote will be taken, providing the first indication of how Minnesotans regard the contenders.
The top Republican candidates say they will abide by the caucus wishes and not enter the primary, which will decide the party's pick. Most of the top Democrats will run in the primary, but a good showing tonight will boost their chances later.
In East Grand Forks, both major parties will caucus at Senior High School, beginning at 7 p.m.
The caucuses aren't expected to draw the big crowds of two years ago, when President Barack Obama's candidacy energized the DFLers and the Republicans had a number of contenders for the presidential nomination. A Senate race also helped to attract caucus goers.
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Minnesota is one of the last states to have a powerful caucus system, where participants can basically make the first cut of candidates and also force issues. The caucus often is a turning point -- for good or bad -- for candidates.
The Green Party and Independence Party also will offer caucuses. The Green Party will meet at the Crookston library while the Independence Party will rely heavily on online caucuses. Independence Party spokesman Peter Tharaldson said most of the Seventh District in the state's northwestern corner will participate online. The IP will hold a Web forum to discuss their five gubernatorial candidates.
Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send e-mail to rbakken@gfherald.com .
