Minn. GOP, Dems Set Conventions For Same Weekend

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Republicans and Democrats will be holding overlapping state conventions to back candidates for major offices on the 2014 ballot.

Both parties have chosen the final weekend in May for their statewide endorsing conventions. Republicans said Tuesday they would be meeting in Rochester. The Democrats previously locked in a Duluth venue.

The drama is in Rochester. Republicans are split over whom to back for governor and U.S. Senate. The endorsed candidates, if party activists can coalesce, are likely to face August primary challengers anyway.

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and Sen. Al Franken face no real competition from within their party as they ramp up re-election campaigns.

Scheduling was challenging because the legislative session could be still going in mid-May. The weekend prior to the conventions covers the Memorial Day holiday.