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Capitol View®
Tom Scheck

Coleman and Grams back McFadden’s campaign

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As another candidate appears ready to jump into the U.S. Senate race, Republican businessman Mike McFadden is touting the backing of two well known former Senators. McFadden announced today that former Sen. Norm Coleman and former Sen. Rod Grams will serve as honorary co-chairs of his campaign.

“When I first met Mike, I was impressed with his energy, his commitment to his family and community, and more importantly his grasp of the important issues facing our state and country,” Coleman said in a news release. “As a job creator and business leader, Mike has the skills and ability to be an effective senator for Minnesota.  I’m proud to join the campaign and will do everything I can to help him get elected to the U.S. Senate.”

McFadden's campaign also announced that Molly Corrigan Cronin, who co-chairs the Republican Party of Minnesota’s Elephant Club, will chair the campaign.

The endorsements show that McFadden is linked closely with officials who know how to raise money in the Republican Party. Coleman is a prodigious fundraiser. The Elephant Club, which Cronin co-chairs, is an organization that works to raise money for the party and candidates.

An unanswered question is whether McFadden's efforts raising money will pay off with party delegates and Republican voters. The Sunfish Lake businessman reported raising $700,000 in the last quarter. He has, however, made few public campaign appearances since he announced his candidacy in May.

McFadden’s announcement comes one day before state Sen. Julianne Ortman, R-Chanhassen, is expected to jump into the race. Ortman has scheduled a Saturday morning news conference in Waconia to announce her political future. GOP state Rep. Jim Abeler is also seeking the GOP nomination.

DFL Sen. Al Franken is running for re-election.