Koering may skip GOP endorsing convention
Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, may skip his bid for Republican Party endorsement and go directly to the primary.
Koering said Monday he hadn't made a final decision on whether he'll seek the endorsement at the party's March 27 endorsing convention. He acknowledged there were rumors about his plans to run in the Republican primary or a possible bid as an independent. Koering said he plans to run in the primary, with or without an endorsement.
"I'll be making my decision in a couple of weeks," Koering said Monday.
Paul Koering
The two-term legislator is being challenged for the Senate endorsement by former Rep. Paul Gazelka of rural Brainerd.
St. Paul Pioneer Press writer Bill Salisbury reported Friday in a blog that Koering would skip the Republican Party's Senate District 12 endorsing convention "because they wouldn't endorse me."
Koering said Monday he didn't know the chances of winning at the endorsement convention.
Crow Wing County Chair Doug Kern said Monday people are wondering about Koering's plans regarding the endorsement. He said he expects Koering to run in the primary if he doesn't seek or obtain the endorsement."I can't picture him not doing it," Kern said.
Details of the March 27 endorsing convention are still being worked on, Kern said. He said he expects that the Senate District 12 endorsing convention will be followed by a House District 12A endorsing convention.
Announced candidates for the Republican House District 12A seat are Ryan Hartwig, Chrissy Nakonsky and Kevin Goedker, all of Brainerd. Zachariah Jackson of rural Brainerd has said he plans to run for the office.
MIKE O'ROURKE may be reached at mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5860.