Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Jon Collins

Bakk to co-author bill backing switch to primary

Sen. Bakk
Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, at the opening of last year's legislative session.
Jeffrey Thompson | MPR News 2015

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Leaders of both the state House and state Senate say they're open to a proposal that would swap the state's caucus system for a presidential primary.

Some caucus-goers last week reported long lines and there were reports that some precincts ran out of ballots.

DFL Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk said he'll co-author a bill to make Minnesota a presidential primary state.

"I don't co-author a lot of bills because it sends a very strong message when leaders co-author bills, but that is one that I plan to co-author this session and hope to pass in the Senate," he told MPR News' Cathy Wurzer.

Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt said last week's high voter turnout may have exceeded the capacity of the caucus system. Gov. Mark Dayton said last week that he supports a presidential primary in the state. The last time Minnesota held a presidential primary was in 1992.

Daudt and Bakk also spoke about the 2016 Minnesota legislative session, which starts Tuesday.