Posted: 04/22/12 04:38
by Dave Mindeman
The 1st District Republican convention in Mankato was meant to endorse a candidate to run against incumbent DFLer Tim Walz. Well 23 ballots later, the winner is....
Tim Walz.
I say that because Allen Quist and Mike Parry fought to a 23 ballot draw on Saturday (going into Sunday) night. Both candidates had leads at various times. Mike Parry had the majority in the early ballotting, while Quist gradually moved ahead in later rounds. Parry regained the lead briefly before the final ballot ended with Quist leading 137 to 124.
Nobody could get seriously close to the 60% needed.
Finally, with a 2am building boot in the mix, the convention voted to adjourn. But they still aren't ready to just let a primary vote happen....
...the delegates ultimately decided they were committed to choosing a candidate. Delegates instead adjourned for the evening, and plan to have a second convention in the coming weeks to pick the candidate to endorse.
So, they get to do this all over again?
Like I said, the winner is Tim Walz.