Watch CBS News

Jeff Johnson Switches Campaign Managers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- There's a change at the top of Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson's campaign with six weeks to go in the race.

Johnson announced Friday that he was switching campaign managers. Former state Sen. David Gaither is taking over for political operative Scot Crockett.

Gaither was a chief of staff to former GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty. He tried to return to the Minnesota Senate in 2012 but lost that race and has been leading an immigrant education academy in Minneapolis.

Crockett had been atop Johnson's campaign since he gained the party's endorsement in May. He is moving back to Virginia.

Johnson has trailed Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton in the race.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.