DFLer Tarryl Clark said Thursday in a statement she would “let the people decide” who will be the Democratic nominee and not abide by the decision of the DFL endorsing convention.

Her decision means a primary contest could surface if she is not the endorsed candidate. Rick Nolan of rural Crosby is the only candidate who has said he’ll abide by the May 5 convention’s decision. Jeff Anderson, a Duluth City Council member, said Thursday he still had not yet decided whether he would abide by the endorsement but would likely make a decision in April.

Nolan, a former Minnesota congressman and candidate for the 8th District DFL endorsement said he was disappointed in her decision because primaries are costly and potentially divisive.

“I have every confidence that we’ll win a primary contest,” Nolan said.

Anderson said that if all candidates had agreed to abide by the endorsement he would have as well but if one of the candidates decides to run in the primary he didn’t think any of them should have to abide by the convention’s decision.

“I’m a little disappointed in Tarryl,” he said.

Anderson said he was actively seeking the party endorsement at this stage of the campaign. He said that based on his good showings in St. Louis, Itasca and Carlton counties, he felt he could do well in a primary.

DFL Chair Ken Martin issued a statement saying he was disappointed with Clark’s decision and that the party risked wasting valuable DFL resources.

MIKE O’ROURKE may be reached at 855-5860 or mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com. He may be followed on Twitter at MikeORourkenews.