Rochester Republican Melissa Valeriano is one of five candidates expected to receive support from a new political committee aimed at electing conservatives to the Legislature.
The committee's founder, Andy Parish, said the group is zeroing in on the House District 25 race because it believes that newcommer Valeriano can defeat four-term DFL incumbent Kim Norton.
"I believe it is a winnable race. After redistricting it became a lot more competitive," he said.
Parrish cites some analysis that shows the district, which covers northwest Rochester, leaning slightly Republican.
This is the only race being targeted in southeast Minnesota by the group for this election. But they are already looking ahead to 2014 and want to play a significant role in the gubernatorial and senate races, Parrish said. The group's creation is in response to Alliance for a Better Minnesota, which works to elect DFL candidates to office.
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Parrish declined to say how the campaign plans to support Valeriano, citing Minnesota campaign laws that prevent them from cooperating with the candidate. But he added she will receive "significant resources."
