All quiet on IP front as 2012 Senate race nears
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The Minnesota third party that has factored into recent top-of-the-ticket races doesn't plan to actively seek a U.S. Senate candidate for next year.
Independence Party Chairman Mark Jenkins says the party is fine leaving the two major parties to go at it. Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar is after a second term and three Republicans are seeking their party nomination.
Jenkins says he sees the Senate race as a distraction from necessary party building at the state level.
The IP has automatic ballot access because of strong performances by past statewide candidates. Dean Barkley, who got 15 percent in Minnesota's last Senate race, says he won't run this time nor has he heard from anyone planning to.
The party can't stop someone from running as an IP candidate without official backing.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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