Democrats endorse Fricke in Senate race

Senate District 28 Democrats chose Red Wing resident Joe Fricke to succeed Sen. Steve Murphy.

The recent law school graduate was elected Saturday in the first round of balloting. He received 41 of 52 votes.

Fricke defeated Lewiston Altura School District Supt. Bruce Montplaisir.

“Steve Murphy’s shoes will be hard to fill, but I’m ready to try,” Fricke said in a speech to delegates.

Murphy, a Red Wing Democrat who backs Fricke, announced in January that he would not seek re-election.

Despite the endorsement, the contest won’t end until the Aug. 10 primary. At the endorsing convention, Montplaisir reiterated he would not abide the endorsement and would continue campaigning.

“I didn’t file for an endorsing process,” he told delegates.

Fricke said he is confident he will prevail in the primary election.

“Usually the endorsement carries primaries in these elections,” he said as the convention drew to a close.

The primary winner will face Red Wing Mayor John Howe, a Republican.

“It’s going to be a big challenge out there this year,” Fricke said.

House District 28A candidate Jerry Roth and House District 28B candidate Mark Schneider also received party endorsements.

Tags: red wing, steve murphy, dfl convention, news, breakingnews, politics, elections