Independence Party Delegates Oppose Marriage Amendment

The Independence Party of Minnesota held its state party convention Saturday in Roseville, with delegates passing resolutions opposing the proposed Marriage and Voter Photo ID amendments.

Meanwhile, party delegates passed platform items addressing the Minnesota Legislature's borrowing of dedicated funds to balance the state budget, policymaking by constitutional amendment and legislative pay during state shutdowns, the party said in a press statement. The party held its convention at the
 
“I think the results of today’s convention reflect not only the feelings of our supporters but those of a wide majority of Minnesotans,” Independence Chairman Mark Jenkins said in a statement. “People are frustrated with our legislature’s inability to responsibly to balance the state budget. And they’re wary of legislators using the constitution to divide Minnesotans.

"Our candidates will be focused on promoting local solutions that actually move Minnesota forward. We can't continue to simply divide and delay.”
 
Jenkins said the party will focus on electing state legislative candidates in 2012. Two U.S. Senate candidates were considered for endorsement at the state convention but neither received enough votes from the body to qualify for party endorsement, party officials reported.