MN Democratic leader disavows local unit’s backing of candidate accused of stalking lawmaker
ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota Democrats have disavowed a local party chapter’s endorsement of a legislative candidate who has a violent criminal history and is accused of stalking the Republican lawmaker he is challenging. Democrats in District 12 endorsed Judd Hoff this month to run for a central Minnesota seat that has been held by Republican Rep. Mary Franson since 2011. Republicans say Hoff has harassed Franson for years. Ken Martin, the state chairman of Minnesota’s Democratic Party, said Monday that the party “strongly disavows” the endorsement. He asked the local chapter to withdraw its endorsement of Hoff immediately.