Minn. Independence Party Holds State Convention

ROSEVILLE, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's Independence Party gathers Saturday in Roseville for its state convention with hopes of finding a political toehold in the Legislature.

About a dozen IP candidates have filed to run for House and Senate as the state's third major party attempts to build a base for the 2014 governor's race. There are no current state lawmakers affiliated with the party.

Chairman Mark Jenkins says the party offers a local focus with less influence from national partisans and special interests.

The party isn't committing resources to the U.S. Senate race this year, although two Senate candidates — accountant Glen Menze and farmer Stephen Williams — are seeking the IP endorsement.

Independence Party candidates are also running for Congress in the 4th and 7th districts.

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