The Latest: Sanders backs Ellison’s AG campaign with rallies

MINNEAPOLIS – The Latest on U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ visit to support Rep. Keith Ellison’s bid for Minnesota attorney general (all times local):

2:25 p.m.

Former presidential candidate and Sen. Bernie Sanders is backing Rep. Keith Ellison’s bid for Minnesota Attorney General.

Sanders visited Minnesota on Friday to headline a pair of rallies for Ellison’s campaign. The pair started with a rally at First Avenue in Minneapolis before heading to Duluth.

Sanders’ visit could provide a jolt to the normally low-key race for Minnesota attorney general. He told hundreds of supporters in Minneapolis that Ellison would help fight back against President Donald Trump’s agenda as attorney general.

Democratic Attorney General Lori Swanson triggered a mad dash to replace her last month by launching a last-minute bid for governor. Ellison, state Rep. Debra Hilstrom, local attorney Matt Pelikan and others are running.

Democratic voters will choose a candidate in an Aug. 14 primary. The winner will face Republican Doug Wardlow in November.

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11:09 a.m.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is coming to Minnesota to support Rep. Keith Ellison’s bid for attorney general.

Sanders was set to headline a rally for Ellison Friday morning at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The pair was scheduled to hold a rally in Duluth later Friday.

The one-time presidential candidate’s visit is the latest reminder of the high stakes surrounding the Democratic primary in the normally sleepy race for attorney general. And it could galvanize Democrats.

Democratic Attorney General Lori Swanson triggered a mad dash to replace her last month by launching a last-minute bid for governor. Ellison, state Rep. Debra Hilstrom, local attorney Matt Pelikan and others are running.

Democratic voters will choose a candidate in an Aug. 14 primary. The winner will face Republican Doug Wardlow in November.