Tom Horner Wins Indep. Primary for Minnesota Governor

08/10/2010

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Former Republican strategist Tom Horner won the Independence Party primary for Minnesota governor Tuesday night.

Horner beat four others but will be the underdog in November. The Independence Party hasn't posted a victory since ex-wrestler Jesse Ventura was elected governor in 1998, when the IP was called the Reform Party.

Still, Horner has caused anxiety among Republicans who fear the former public relations director could chew into conservative state Rep. Tom Emmer's base. Emmer coasted to a win in the GOP primary Tuesday and is trying to extend Republicans' eight-year hold on the governor's office.

Horner enters the fall campaign at a financial disadvantage. But he should benefit from appearing in debates opposite the Republican and Democratic nominees.