Minneapolis DFL Chair Dan McConnell turned back a challenge from the ranks Saturday at the party's school endorsing convention at Roosevelt High School.

Vice Chair Roann Cramer challenged McConnell's bid for his third term in the post, and she came into the convention with the recommendation of the Nominations Committee, although three of its members backed McConnell in a minority report.

McConnell prevailed 348-271, with 51 ballots spoiled for lack of a signature. Both were first elected in 2009.
Cramer cited the conflict she said exists when McConnell's employer, the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council, endorses a different candidate than the DFL, as happened with three City Council candidates last year. She said that party endorsees don't feel the party is fully behind them if the party chair doesn't support them.

McConnell said that party officials all are volunteers, have day jobs, and it's the role of the vice chair and others, along with state party help, to work for DFL endorsees when he can't. He said he's gratified by his support in the voting.

Cramer said she focused on convention arrangements rather than campaigning for the chair job. She is a manager for a financial services firm.