MN political parties hold state conventions this weekend

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — For Minnesota Republicans, the rumble in Rochester probably won't deliver a typical convention knockout punch.

Democrats gathering in Duluth will encounter even less drama.

Thousands of the most-active partisans head to the two conventions starting Friday. Democrats are certain to line up behind Gov. Mark Dayton and Sen. Al Franken in their bids for second terms. Republicans eager to boot the incumbents have a bounty of options. But their endorsement won't be decisive with several candidates prepared to run in August primaries regardless of the weekend outcomes.

State Republicans are accustomed to the endorsement also-rans stepping aside for the sake of party unity and a long runway to the fall election. Only two Republican contenders for governor have their campaigns on the line at the convention.