From Twincities.com:

Rep. Marty Seifert’s steady climb to become Minnesota House minority leader in 2007 coincided with the ascension of fellow Republican Tom Emmer, who became deputy leader in just his second House term. Now the two former partners are battling for the GOP’s backing for governor.

The contest will culminate at the Republican Party convention, which begins Thursday in Minneapolis. The endorsement for governor comes Friday.

Both Emmer and Seifert say they’ll drop out if party delegates endorse someone else in the seven-candidate field, which has essentially narrowed to a two-man race. Those promises should spare Republicans a competitive primary like the one awaiting Democrats.

It’s a key race for a Republican Party clinging to its only base of power in a state government otherwise dominated by Democrats; Gov. Tim Pawlenty is voluntarily vacating the office after two terms and weighing a possible White House bid.

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