Minnesota Republican activists overwhelmingly reelected party chairman Tony Sutton on Saturday months after a string of big GOP electoral victories.

"Being state chair has been one of the most rewarding things of my life," said Sutton, who ran unopposed.

Sutton cruised to an easy victory among the 350 Republican delegates who gathered at a Bloomington hotel.

Sutton warned activists that much is at stake in the next few years.

"The reason why we have big government is because the big government spenders – the liberals – don't give up," Sutton said. "We have to fight to take this country back."

Sutton has little time to savor the victory.

Sutton

In the next two years, he must get to work supporting former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, Minnesota Republicans who are both eyeing presidential runs. Sutton and party leaders must find a challenger for Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who has formidable popularity and support statewide.

"I think everybody's feeling a little momentum, a little excitement heading into 2012," said Sutton.

In a separate vote, deputy chairman Michael Brodkorb also won easy re-election.