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Ex-GOP MN Chairman Files For Personal Bankruptcy

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Former Minnesota Republican Party chairman Tony Sutton has filed for personal bankruptcy..

Sutton stepped down as party chairman in 2011 amid steep criticism of party finances.

Federal Chapter 7 bankruptcy records show Sutton and his wife, Bridget Sutton, say they have about $2 million in debt and assets of about $296,400. Debt includes a first and second mortgage totaling $327,000.

Sutton climbed to chairman in 2009, telling delegates the GOP had to regain credibility with those to whom fiscal issues were important.

After Sutton resigned the party found itself with more than $2 million in debt, much of it tied to expenses related to the 2010 gubernatorial recount. It crippled the party's 2012 efforts and DFLers regained power, with majorities in the House and Senate.

Sutton's bankruptcy attorney, Jessica McKinney, declined to comment.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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