Seifert, Ortman Lead In Minnesota Caucus Straw Polls

ST. PAUL (AP) - Political party faithful from across Minnesota gathered at schools and other venues to help shape policy and make their picks in this year's elections.

Republicans held straw polls Tuesday night in the race for governor and U.S. Senate. Democrats gathered for the caucuses but didn't vote because of the certainty of their candidates - Gov. Mark Dayton and U.S. Sen. Al Franken.

Unofficial results posted to the Minnesota Secretary of State's website early Wednesday has 124 of 127 caucuses reporting. Former House Minority Leader Marty Seifert leads in the nonbinding Republic straw poll for governor. State Sen. Dave Thompson is in second place followed by Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson.

For U.S. Senate, Republican state Sen. Julianne Ortman is in first place followed by businessman Mike McFadden.