CQPolitics is reporting that Maureen Reed won’t abide by the DFL endorsing convention for Rep. Michele Bachmann’s seat. This isn’t a total surprise as there were some hints last week that that’s the path that she’d be taking:

I told Isaacson that that sounded pretty close to declaring that Reed will run in the primary if Clark gets the endorsement. He replied that that decision has not been made but:

“I would say that we’re getting a lot closer to making that decision. I would expect that some decision will be made about that in the near future.”

Here’s what CQPolitics is reporting:

Physician Maureen Reed, a Democratic candidate for Minnesota’s 6th district, announced Wednesday evening that she will not abide by the state party’s endorsement process, all but guaranteeing a competitive primary that could complicated Democratic efforts to unseat Rep. Michele Bachmann (R).

State Sen. Tarryl Clark is the favorite to receive the party nod at the Democratic-Farm-Labor convention next spring, a part of the party process in Minnesota. Most, but not all of the time the candidates who do not receive the party endorsement withdraw from the race.

It isn’t often that the endorsed candidate loses a primary. Couple that with Tarryl’s slew of union endorsements and it makes for an uphill fight for Dr. Reed. The thing that’ll even things out a bit for Dr. Reed is the fact that she’s raised a fair amount of money thus far.

Here’s a portion of Dr. Reed’s letter to supporters:

“After fully analyzing the situation, I have decided that if I do not receive the endorsement at the convention this spring, we will proceed to the DFL primary election.

We used thoughtful consideration to reach this conclusion since I have such a great deal of respect for the dedicated individuals in the DFL who generously give their time working to improve our state and nation. However, the Sixth District is unique in that it is more moderate and independently minded in its political leanings than the state as a whole. In fact, we conducted a poll which showed that the profile of the Democratic primary voter is more diverse in political philosophy than those who participate in the conventions.

Recent campaign results in the Sixth District show that a big-tent Democrat who appeals to independent voters has the best chance to defeat Michele Bachmann.”

Dr. Reed has shown herself as having sharp political elbows when it comes to Tarryl. She isn’t hiding the fact that she considers Tarryl to be too liberal for the district. It’s a belief I share with Dr. Reed. I haven’t made it a secret that Tarryl’s voting for the biggest tax increases in Minneosta history defines her as one of the most liberal politicians in St. Paul. I haven’t made it a secret that I think her spending habits clearly define her as one of the most liberal politicians in St. Paul the last 3 years.

It’s still difficult to picture Tarryl losing to Dr. Reed in the CD-6 primary because of all of Tarryl’s union endorsements but that doesn’t mean I think Dr. Reed won’t put up a good fight.

That’s why I’m stocking up on popcorn.

Technorati: Elections, DFL Primary, Tarryl Clark, Maureen Reed, Tax Increases, Spending, MNGOP, Michele Bachmann, Election 2010