In gubernatorial bid, the Grassroots Party's Chris Wright is no longer such a lonely voice.

Primary results, fundraising woes spell tough times for state’s upstart party.

“I cannot keep my name as a leader of a party that I do not believe is the best option for the voters of this state,” wrote IP state director Kyle Lewis.

Noting the current high profile debate at the Capitol over medical marijuana legislation and the dearth of pro-legalization candidates in the gubernatorial field, gubernatorial candidate Chris Holbrook thinks his party could garner 5 percent of the vote in November.

The Independence Party of Minnesota plans to take the state to court if the school-aid shift isn’t paid off by Dec. 1. IP Chairman Mark Jenkins has scheduled a state Capitol press conference on Thursday to announce his legal plans.

IP delegates did not endorse a candidate to run against incumbent DFL U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar at their party convention in Roseville this weekend. Two candidates --accountant Glen Menze and farmer Stephen Williams -- vied for the party's backing but fell short. The candidates will likely head to an August primary election for the IP slot on the ballot.

The Independence Party's joining of Minnesotans United for All Families is the latest sign the group will comprise a broad swath politically active groups.

Independence Party Chairman Jack Uldrich is resigning his post effective February 13. The party has maintained its major party status since IP Gov. Jesse Ventura left office in 2002.

Tom Horner took a bigger risk than most when he embarked on his run for governor of Minnesota. The former Republican pundit and strategist turned Independence Party candidate alienated many of his old political allies when he switched party affiliation to challenge to GOP candidate Tom Emmer and DFLer Mark Dayton.

Former pro wrestler and Independence Party Gov. Jesse Ventura endorsed IP candidate Tom Horner Friday, encouraging Minnesotans to "shock the world again."