Minn. GOP endorses Parry to replace retiring Day

Minnesota's Republican Party has thrown its support behind Waseca businessman Mike Parry to replace retiring state Sen. Dick Day in a special election next month.

Republicans at Monday's Senate District 26 Convention endorsed Parry following a third round of voting. The special election will be held Jan. 26.

State party Chairman Tony Sutton says Parry will be a "champion for the creation of more sustainable, private-sector jobs."

Day is stepping down after 19 years to lobby for state-backed racetrack gambling.

Democrats in the district are supporting St. Olaf College instructor Jason Engbrecht, who was chosen at a DFL endorsing convention.

Three-term Waseca Mayor Roy Srp is running on the Independence Party ticket.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)