Seifert, Ortman Lead In Minn. Caucus Straw Polls

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Republican caucus attendees have expressed their preferences for their party's Senate and governor candidates.

Straw poll figures were still coming in late Tuesday. With three-quarters of local Republican party units reporting, state Sen. Julianne Ortman led among Senate hopefuls. Former state Rep. Marty Seifert had an edge among gubernatorial candidates.

The votes aren't binding, but they are an early measure of support. The party will settle on nominees later this year to take on Democratic Sen. Al Franken and Gov. Mark Dayton. Some Republicans say they'll take their campaigns to an August primary, no matter what.

Democrats and the Independence Party also held caucuses as did some minor parties. But the GOP was alone with a straw poll.

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