MINNEAPOLIS -- Former Republican strategist Tom Horner has won the Independence Party primary for Minnesota governor.
Horner beat four others today but will be the underdog in November. The Independence Party hasn't posted a victory since ex-wrestler Jesse Ventura was elected governor in 1998, when the IP was called the Reform Party.
Still, Horner has caused anxiety among Republicans who fear the former public relations director could chew into conservative state Rep. Tom Emmer's base. Emmer coasted to a win in the GOP primary today and is trying to extend Republicans' eight-year hold on the governor's office.
Horner enters the fall campaign at a financial disadvantage. But he should benefit from appearing in debates opposite the Republican and Democratic nominees.
