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Endorsements See-Saw In Republican Senate Primary

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The two-man race to decide which Republican will challenge Sen. Al Franken has split the party's former leaders.

Businessman and political newcomer Mike McFadden has the backing of former Republican Sens. Norm Coleman and Rudy Boschwitz. Dave Durenberger, who served in the Senate from 1978 to 1995, endorsed retiring state Rep. Jim Abeler, his campaign announced on Tuesday.

McFadden and Abeler are running in an Aug. 12 primary. McFadden won the party's endorsement in April and holds a large fundraising lead over Abeler.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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