State Republican Party deputy chair Michael Brodkorb said that it appeared that Kelliher was moving toward the DFL endorsement and that Republicans would be eager to see her be the eventual DFL gubernatorial nominee.

"If you're happy with what's going on in the Legislature, you're going to like Margaret Anderson Kelliher," Brodkorb said.

He said Kelliher has presided over an "ineffective Legislature." Brodkorb said that Republicans, who will endorse their gubernatorial nominee next week, will give voters an immediate clear choice unlike the DFLers who must first have a party primary in August.

"The Democrats are going to have a very tough time, a very tough time being united," he said, citing dissension in this weekend's endorsing convention.