Newberger, Housley win GOP endorsement for Senate races

DULUTH, Minn. (KMSP) - State Representative Jim Newberger and State Senator Karin Housley each won the endorsement from the GOP at the party convention in Duluth Friday night. 

Endorsements for both U.S. Senate seats were on the ballot Friday night. Democrats currently control both seats.

The GOP hit a snag during voting when their new electronic balloting system failed. The delegates ended up having to vote by paper ballot, which slowed the process.

State Representative Jim Newberger beat out business owner Robert Barnheimer for the endorsement, taking nearly 80 percent of the vote. Newberger will be running against Senator Amy Klobuchar for her seat in the fall.

“This year, after three terms, I’m imposing my own term limits and I’m stepping away from a very strong Republican seat because the 12-year reign of ultra-liberal Amy Klobuchar must come to an end,” said State Rep. Newberger.

State Senator Karin Housley beat out dental technician Bob Anderson to win the endorsement to take on U.S. Senator Tina Smith.