Minnesota House Republicans will meet tonight in St. Paul to elect a new minority leader to succeed Rep. Marty Seifert, who is relinquishing that post to explore a run for governor.

The new leader will be the third for the House GOP caucus in four years. In 2006, Seifert defeated Erik Paulsen, then leader of the House Republicans, and three others for the position shortly after the party lost control of the chamber. Seifert, R-Marshall, was reelected last year.

Although he will hang on to his House seat, Seifert announced this month that he was giving up the leadership job because he didn't want to take advantage of the position for political gain. "If you're distracted in any way ... that is not fair to the membership," he said.

Among the House Republicans thought to be possible contenders are Randy Demmer of Hayfield and Kurt Zellers of Maple Grove. There are 47 Republicans and 87 DFLers in the House.

KEVIN DUCHSCHERE