Campaign 2010

AFL-CIO decides not to endorse candidate for governor

by Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Officials with the Minnesota AFL-CIO have decided not to endorse a candidate in the race for governor.

The labor organization announced the decision Wednesday afternoon after screening three candidates: DFLers Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Mark Dayton, as well as Independence Party candidate Tom Horner.

A 70-member board then voted, but Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson says no candidate met the two-thirds threshold of support.

"We have a lot of good folks, a lot of good labor unions that are in both camps, both campaigns, and they are bringing labor's voice to those campaigns," Knutson said. "So, we'll be united in November. We will be united in electing a governor that shares our values and our priorities and puts middle class families first."

Republican candidate Tom Emmer was invited to the screening but did not participate.