Dayton Endorses Nolan In Congressional Race

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Gov. Mark Dayton is making an endorsement in the race for Minnesota's 8th Congressional District.

Dayton says former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan is a "proven leader who can get past the partisan gridlock and get things done."

Democratic voters in the northeastern Minnesota district have primary choices for the first time in two decades. Former Duluth City Councilor Jeff Anderson and former state Sen. Tarryl Clark are also on the Aug. 14 primary ballot.

Nolan has a long history in northern Minnesota party politics, having served in Congress from 1975 to 1981 in a district that doesn't overlap much with the current 8th. He has the backing of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, which is running a TV ad on his behalf.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)