Republicans in the Mankato area have nominated Allen Quist to run in the special election for state House District 19A.
Quist, fresh off his defeat in November's 1st District congressional race, easily won the nomination, with 85 percent of the vote from delegates. He beat two other candidates: Jim Golgart and Joel Brinker. Golgart, though, reportedly has not ruled out running in a primary.
The seat is vacant because DFLer Terry Morrow resigned to take a job in Chicago after winning re-election in November.
Only 41 delegates showed up for the Republican nominating convention Thursday night, reports the New Ulm Journal. Quist wooed the delegates by stressing his name recognition and fundraising ability. He pasted "House District 19A" stickers on old signs from his congressional campaign.
Quist served three terms in the state House in the 1980s but then lost two state House races and a primary for governor, as well as losing to incumbent U.S. Rep. Tim Walz last year.
Tim Strand, Clark Johnson, Karl Johnson and Robin Courrier will face off in the DFL convention on Jan. 19. Tim Gieseke will seek the Independence Party endorsement this weekend in St. Peter.