Senate DFL Caucus not getting involved in SD50
The Senate DFL Caucus has no plans to get in the middle of a primary fight between DFL Sen. Satveer Chaudhary and former DFL Rep. Barb Goodwin. Party loyalists voted last night to strip Chaudhary's party endorsement and later awarded it to Goodwin. Gary Hill, spokesman for the Senate Majority Leader's office says there are no plans to back one of the candidates before the August 10th primary.
"I was told that we aren't involved and we won't be involved but it's out intention to hold that seat," Hill said.
The Senate DFL Caucus is tasked with protecting incumbents and picking up seats. Hill's comments contradict what Chaudhary told reporters on Monday night. He said the Senate DFL Caucus "strongly supported" him and "stated that they are going to continue to do so..."
Chaudhary received heavy criticism at the end of the legislative session for pushing for a special fishing regulation on a lake where he owns a cabin. His amendment was included in a bill in the waning hours of the session. Gov. Pawlenty vetoed in the bill in part because of Chaudhary's action.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Last night's action put Senate Democrats in a unique position. Chaudhary is a member of the caucus but getting involved in the race would mean Senate Democrats would be forced to back him over the wishes of local DFL Party loyalists.
Update: Hill sent along this clarification:
The Senate DFL Caucus has not taken a position one way or another on supporting Sen. Chaudhary after the party decided to remove the endorsement. Prior to that a number of races had been selected as targeted races and Senator Chaudhary's race was not one of those selected.
Gina Bauman is the Republican endorsed candidate running in the district.