Quie backs Demmer in CD 1 race

Al Quie (right) originally supported Republican state Rep. Marty Seifert (left) in the governor's race.

Former Republican governors Al Quie and Arne Carlson both agree that they want Independence Party candidate Tom Horner in the governor’s office next year, but they don’t see eye-to-eye on who should sit in Congress representing southern Minnesota.

Quie announced Wednesday that he is supporting Republican state Rep. Randy Demmer, who is looking to unseat two-term Democratic incumbent Tim Walz in the First District. Carlson recently endorsed Walz.

Quie represented the district for two decades in the U.S. House before winning the governorship 1979.

Quie and Carlson are the only two former governors who seem to be readily granting campaign endorsements this year. Former Independence Party Gov. Jesse Ventura also endorsed Horner for governor.