Head Of Minnesota GOP Seeks 2nd Term Leading Party

BLOOMINGTON  (AP) - Minnesota Republicans gather Saturday to weigh in on their leaders and pick new national committee members.

GOP Chairman Tony Sutton is seeking a second term at the party's state central meeting in Bloomington. Sutton took over in 2009 and led the party as it lost the governor's race last year but gained majorities in both legislative chambers for the first time in 38 years.

Deputy Chairman Michael Brodkorb is also running for re-election.

GOP activists also pick two new Republican National Committee members, one man and one woman.

Former gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer is vying with Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson for one seat. Candidates for the other include former state auditor Pat Anderson, longtime activist Janet Beihoffer, health care executive Mary Igo and Shakopee City Councilor Pamela Punt.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)