Grogan to challenge Benson in 43B

Brian Grogan was endorsed by a unanimous voice vote at last night's House District 43B endorsing convention. The two other candidates for the endorsement, Ryan Shore and longtime Senate District 43 activist Paul Franson, both withdrew as candidates and delivered endorsement speeches for Grogan prior to the vote.

The "A" side of SD 43 has in recent years been the "power" side of the district, with David Gaither serving in the state Senate and Governor Pawlenty's office, Jeff Johnson in the state House of Representatives, and Judy Johnson serving on the Plymouth City Council and as mayor. With Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth) defending her HD 43A seat against DFLer Clint Faust, "B" side Republicans now have a candidate to challenge incumbent John Benson (DFL-Minnetonka).

In Brian Grogan, 43B Republicans have endorsed an articulate, well-organized, and committed conservative candidate. He has been vetted by the Senate District, and many if not most in attendance at last night's convention volunteered for his campaign committee. Grogan will file with the State of Minnesota as a candidate today, and then it will be off to the races.