Storms start to move out of Minnesota, continue for western Wisconsin

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(AP)  An effort Friday by the Minnesota GOP to head
off a September primary in the 6th Congressional District ran into
resistance when one of four candidates refused to sign on.
     
 Rep. Phil Krinkie, R-Lino Lakes, said he's made repeated
statements that he won't challenge the endorsed Republican in a
primary, and he's not wavering on that. But he said the "Sixth
District Republican Party Endorsement Pledge" is unnecessary and
stagey.

      The pledge - signed by Rep. Jim Knoblach, Sen. Michele Bachmann
and businessman Jay Esmay at in front of television cameras at a
news conference - is a commitment not to run against a
party-endorsed candidate in the primary.

      Republicans meet May 6 to pick a candidate for the 6th District
seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy, who's running for
U.S. Senate.

      "We want May 6 to be the final word on this race," said GOP
chairman Ron Carey.

      Krinkie wouldn't rule out running in the primary if another
non-endorsed candidate breaks their pledge and challenges the GOP
nominee.

Gallery

Three of four candidates for the 6th District seat signed a pledge to honor the party endorsement process. But a fourth refused to sign, although he says he'll abide by it.

Sixth District Republicans agree to avoid primary battle

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