Minnesota’s Attention Span Tested in Primary Campaigns

ST. PAUL  (AP) - Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie says he's expecting less than 15 percent of eligible voters to participate in the state's primary.

Two races to pick primary challengers to members of Congress are considered the most competitive Tuesday. It's the second time Minnesota has held its primary in August since moving it from September.

Democratic voters in northeastern Minnesota will choose an opponent for Republican Rep. Chip Cravaack. Former Duluth City Councilor Jeff Anderson, former state Sen. Tarryl Clark and former Rep. Rick Nolan are competing for the bid.

In the south, Republican voters were choosing between state Sen. Mike Parry and former state Rep. Allen Quist in a fight that has gotten personal. The winner will run against Democratic Rep. Tim Walz.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)