ST. PAUL (AP) - Political candidates foraging for fall votes are settling in at the Minnesota State Fair.

With more than 1.7 million people expected to roam the grounds during the 12-day run, candidates for governor, senator and other offices are shaking hands and spreading their messages.

Democratic Sen. Al Franken and his Republican challenger Mike McFadden crossed paths outside the main gate as both greeted the first fairgoers.

Republican gubernatorial nominee Jeff Johnson says the fair provides a great cross section of voters and he challenged Gov. Mark Dayton to hold a debate or two there.

The Democratic incumbent says that won't happen, but he'll debate Johnson a half-dozen times between now and November.

Dayton spent time shaking hands and listening to voter concerns at his party's booth.

More From AM 1240 WJON