In the race for the open seat in the Third Congressional District, one of the major parties has chosen its candidate.

At its congressional district convention on Saturday, the Independence Party endorsed the candidacy of David Dillon, the owner of a printing company who lives in the Excelsior area. Dillon is a political newcomer.

The race to succeed retiring Rep. Jim Ramstad, a nine-term Republican, has created the only wide-open congressional race in the state.

State Rep. Erik Paulsen is the only Republican candidate to date. On the DFL side, Ashwin Madia and state Sen. Terri Bonoff will be vying for their party's endorsement at the congressional district convention on April 12.

The Third District comprises an arc of Minneapolis suburbs including Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Edina, Eden Prairie and Bloomington, as well as others in northern and western Hennepin County.

BOB VON STERNBERG