Minnesota Lawyer
PIM posted up at the GOP state convention in Rochester over the weekend, where state constitutional officers, a US Senate candidate and a gubernatorial hopeful were all decided. If you — fortunately or unfortunately — couldn’t be at the convention, here are some scenes from the action, which will play a role in shaping the 2014 mid-term elections:
Saturday:
Former Rep. Marty Seifert released his delegates, but didn’t withdraw from the endorsement. Seifert has committed to a primary election. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Sen. Dave Thompson’s running mate, Michelle Benson, was overcome with emotion when Thompson withdrew from the GOP gubernatorial endorsement. (Staff photo: James Nord)
They played the entire song. (Staff photo: James Nord)
In a lull after the first ballot in the gubernatorial endorsement process, “Enter Sandman” by Metallica blared from the PA and delegates and officials started dancing. (Staff photo: James Nord)
State Sen. Dave Thompson discussed his gubernatorial bid in terms of education and health care on stage, and plugged his running mate, Sen. Michelle Benson. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson put on a polished performance for delegates at the GOP convention on Saturday and came out fighting. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Rob Farnsworth, a special education teacher from Hibbing, roundly criticized Gov. Mark Dayton in his speech to the delegates. His son had a request of RPM Chair Keith Downey. (Staff photo: James Nord)
GOP gubernatorial candidate Marty Seifert was the first to speak during the state convention’s endorsement for governor. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Mike McFadden secured the GOP endorsement for US Senate on Saturday afternoon, beating out Chris Dahlberg.
Chris Dahlberg, who initially led the GOP endorsement battle for US Senate, bowed out of the process on Saturday afternoon. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Like father, like son: GOP gubernatorial candidate Marty Seifert walks through the convention before the governor’s endorsement begins. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Mike McFadden followed his opponent, Chris Dahlberg, in addressing delegates on Saturday. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Chris Dahlberg takes the stage first to address delegates at the GOP convention in Rochester on Saturday morning as balloting resumes. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Friday/early Saturday:
Tired delegates at the GOP convention in Rochester voted to recess until early Saturday morning. (Staff photo: James Nord)
US Senate candidate Mike McFadden has a late-night conversation with a delegate. (Staff photo: James Nord)
This seasoned delegate at state GOP convention in Rochester has the right idea. (Staff photo: James Nord)
US Senate candidate Chris Dahlberg stressed his pledge to abide by an endorsement when speaking to the convention after the fifth ballot. His opponent Mike McFadden also addressed the crowd. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Boxes of ballots from the fifth round just before results were reported. Chris Dahlberg got 44 percent, Mike McFadden netted 34.5 percent and Julianne Ortman received 19 percent. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Sen. Julianne Ortman spoke to the crowd at the GOP convention just before the fifth ballot results were read. She got cut from the endorsement contest. (Staff photo: James Nord)
US Senate candidate Mike McFadden revved up his supporters to the tune of GnR’s “Welcome to the Jungle” just before the fifth ballot results came in. (Staff photo: James Nord)
A group of delegates and others unfortunately danced and sang to Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” during a lull in the balloting just before the fifth-round results were announced. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Phillip Parrish, a surprise success in the U.S. Senate endorsement battle, got 11 percent in the third ballot and then turned his support over to state Sen. Julianne Ortman, who dropped to 18 percent in that ballot. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Former U.S. Senate candidate Kurt BIlls donned a Mike McFadden shirt right before the third ballot. (Staff photo: James Nord)
At least one delegate at the GOP state convention was having fun — with a Grain Belt Premium. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Sen. Scott Newman (center), now the GOP’s candidate for attorney general, speaking with Sen. Sean Nienow. (Staff photo: James Nord)
There was a break for Rice Krispie treats:
A state GOP convention attendee in the balcony managed to catch a Rice Krispie Treat thrown by John Rouleau of the Minnesota Jobs Coalition. (Staff photo: James Nord)
McFadden supporter Leslie Rosedahl and others from the McFadden camp handed out Rice Krispie treats to delegates. Note: they were made in Wisconsin. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Phillip Parrish, an outside candidate for U.S. Senate, had unexpected good fortune in the first two ballots. In the third ballot, he dropped to 11.4 percent. (Staff photo: James Nord)
U.S. Senate candidate Chris Dahlberg led the first round of balloting with 25 percent support. (Staff photo: James Nord)
State Sen. Julianne Ortman, who is running for U.S. Senate, watches as her supporters endorse her on stage at the GOP convention. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Former state Rep. Marty Seifert, who lost the 2010 GOP gubernatorial endorsement to Tom Emmer, is running again. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Newly elected RPM Secretary Heather Todd and supporters, including Rep. Pat Garofalo, take a selfie after the Thursday evening state Central Committee meeting. (Staff photo: James Nord)
State Rep. Jim Abeler signs a piece of paper for a delegate at the GOP convention in Rochester on Friday (Staff photo: James Nord)
Former Sen. John Howe bowed out of the GOP endorsement for secretary of state before the first ballot’s results could be reported on Friday. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Sen. Julianne Ortman, who is running for U.S. Senate, hugs a supporter before she makes a speech before delegates at the GOP convention in Rochester. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Sen. Dave Thompson, who is running for the governor’s office, speaks to delegates at the GOP convention in Rochester. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Businessman Mike McFadden, who is running for U.S. Senate, shot off fireworks and dropped balloons. (Staff photo: James Nord)
Check back for updates.
