Minnesota Lawyer
Allen Quist plans to run in the GOP primary in the 1st Congressional District.
Quist and state Sen. Mike Parry fought to a draw in an epic battle for the GOP endorsement earlier this month. The convention adjourned after 23 ballots with Quist, a former state House member, holding a narrow lead.
“I was ahead on the last nine ballots, but I didn’t make it to 60 percent,” Quist said in a statement announcing his decision. “The May 12th follow-up convention, which I strongly supported and which the delegates approved, ran into insurmountable scheduling difficulties. Going to the primary is now the only reasonable course of action, since June 2nd is the earliest a new convention can be scheduled, if one is scheduled at all.”
That sets up an August primary in the swing district. The eventual GOP nominee will take on three-term DFL U.S. Rep. Tim Walz.
Parry issued his own statement about the contest. “While we’re disappointed that Allen Quist broke his word, we look forward to taking the conversation to the broader public,” Parry said. “Allen Quist has repeatedly been tried, tested and rejected in his numerous attempts to attain higher office. We are confident that Minnesotans will choose the only conservative candidate who has a proven ability to win — with not only conservative Republicans but also independent voters and Reagan Democrats.”
