Live: DFLers and Republicans are endorsing candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and other statewide races

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Minnesota Republicans on Saturday backed businessman 

 as the party’s candidate for governor, but that didn’t settle the issue. 

Despite losing out on the Republican endorsement, Minnesota GOP House Speaker Lisa Demuth 

 primary election for the Republican Party nomination for governor. MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell is also running in the primary.

Having the candidate question stay open into August is not ideal, said Ron Carey, chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota from 2005 to 2009. He was the last state GOP chair to see his candidate, Tim Pawlenty, elected governor.

Political party endorsements were once embraced as a way to avoid intraparty battles and to sharpen the focus on winning the general election, Carey told MPR News. 

“I would hope that we could have a situation where we could start having unity, because it's going to be an uphill battle to take on Amy Klobuchar in November,” he said.

Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.

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“I would hope that we could have a situation where we could start having unity, because it's going to be an uphill battle to take on Amy Klobuchar in November,” Ron Carey told MPR News.

Former Republican Chairman says party endorsements should bring unity not more infighting

Ex-Minnesota GOP chair: Support endorsed candidates

The Minnesota State Capitol building during the spring

Ex-Minnesota GOP chair wants unity around endorsed candidates

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