On convention eve, Democrats in 17B are still waiting for candidate(s) to emerge

On the eve of the DFL endorsing convention in state House District 17B, local party chairwoman Cindy Erickson is losing sleep.

Democrats will gather tomorrow at Chisago Lakes High School to pick a candidate to run for the seat that is being vacated by Rep. Jeremy Kalin, DFL-Lindstrom. But so far nobody has said publicly they want to carry the DFL banner this fall.

“I know there’s a lot of people that are considering it,” Erickson said.

Three people have expressed interest in the endorsement, she said, but added that none has confirmed a run. She said the drama kept her awake last night.

Kalin announced March 2 that he wouldn’t seek a third term to represent the Republican-leaning district, which encompasses Chisago County north of the Twin Cities. In 2008, GOP presidential candidate John McCain beat Democrat Barack Obama by 10 percent in 17B.

Meanwhile, the right wing of the GOP appears to be vocal in 17B. The website for Chisago County’s Republican Party refers to itself as “Chisago County Independent Republicans/Your Local ‘Tea Party.'”

Four Republicans are vying for the endorsement at their April 17 convention at North Branch High School.

Those candidates are Wyoming Mayor Sheldon Anderson, Wyoming City Council member Russ Goudge, Jeremy Lindman of Lindstrom and Robert Barrett of Shafer. Lindman was convicted 10 years ago of possessing a short-barreled shotgun, a felony. He has been trying to overcome his criminal record in order to run.

Update: Erickson was endorsed by DFLers on Saturday to run for the House. Lindman e-mailed to say he is no longer seeking the GOP endorsement.