Are fringe candidates a distraction?

Running for Minneapolis Mayor
From left, Captain Jack Sparrow, Jeff Wagner, Michael Gould and Dan Cohen are just a few of the 35 candidates running for Minneapolis mayor. (MPR Photo/Curtis Gilbert)

"One dresses like a pirate, while another runs with the Pirate Party. Ten are running as DFLers, but none with the party’s endorsement," writes MPR News intern Cody Nelson.

An eclectic pool of 35 candidates is vying to be Minneapolis’ next mayor, but only eight are waging the most active campaigns — spending money and getting invited to debates.

Most candidates on the race’s periphery don’t think they’ll actually become the next mayor. But for some with more serious platforms, it’s about bringing attention to an issue.

Today's Candidate: Are fringe candidates a distraction?

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