Last Day to File Begins: Primary Updates

US Senate:

Al Franken will face a challenge from Pricilla Lord Faris for the DFL nomination. The attorney and offspring of former Federal Judge Miles Lord has committed to spending up to two million dollars to “sharpen” the contest between democrats and incumbent Norm Coleman. Jesse Ventura will not run for the Senate, but there will be at least four candidates on the November ballot – the DFL, GOP, IP and now the Libertarians all have candidates.

More below the break

US Congress:

On the GOP side, Michelle Bachman filed,making official her primary with Aubrey Immelman in the 6th district. Two republicans also filed to run against Colin Peterson in the 7th, Glen Menze and Alan Roebke.

Minnesota House:

03A: Bovey, Grand Rapids & Mizpah – there is a primary between Independence candidates W.D. (Bill) Hamm & Chris Pfeifer.

07B: Duluth – this race is a free for all. Brandon Clokey is the fifth DFLer to file.

25A: New Prague, Le Center, Belle Plaine – Laura Brod will face off against Alexander Louis Erickson II for the GOP ballot spot.

33B: Wayzata, Orono – Connie Doepke is taking on John Hollander for the Republican nomination.

41A: Edina - As anticipated, Ron Erhardt, longtime GOP incumbent, is running as an Independent after having lost endorsement due to his vote on the transportation bill. He had a letter published in the Star Tribune this morning pledging to caucus with the majority party in the House (that is, the DFL), and this race should be interesting.

45A: Plymouth, New Hope – Karen Nolte is facing off against Andrew Richter in the GOP primary. The winner will face Sandra Peterson of New Hope.

54B: Little Canada, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights – Julie K. Johnson is facing Tom Effertz for the GOP nod in another race against an incumbent DFLer, Bev Scalze.

62A: Minneapolis – GOPers Kirk Brink and Dave Shegstad are seeking the nomination for the Longfellow/Nokomis seat.