Newman launches GOP bid for state attorney general

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A Republican state legislator announced his candidacy today for Minnesota attorney general.

Sen. Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, will seek his party’s endorsement Friday at the GOP state convention in Rochester. There are no other announced Republican candidates.

During a news conference, Newman noted that the last time a Republican was elected state attorney general was 1966. He said he wants to challenge incumbent Lori Swanson, because he believes Democrats have held the office too long.

“There has become a sense of entitlement to that office by the DFL party,” Newman said. “And along with that sense of entitlement, gradually I think, there has crept into that office the idea that it is okay to promote your particular views and political viewpoints. I frankly do not agree with that.”

Newman is a lawyer serving his second term in the state Senate. He said he waited until after the Legislative session to launch his campaign.

DFLer Lori Swanson is seeking her third term as attorney general.

The Independence Party endorsed Brandan Borgos, an attorney from West Saint Paul, as its attorney general candidate.

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