Republicans Mike Parry and Allen Quist are sharpening their attacks in an increasingly bitter primary fight in southern Minnesota's 1st District.
 
The New Ulm Journal reported Wednesday that Quist called Parry "an embarrassment to the Republican Party" after Parry's campaign focused on controversial statements Quist made as a state representative.  Parry adviser Ben Golnik told the newspaper that Quist's comments from the 1990s on homosexuality and other social issues make him "unelectable."
 
An email from Parry's campaign told Quist to "man up" and take responsibility for the statements.  Quist told the newspaper that Parry's campaign has gone "entirely negative."  The winner of the Aug. 14 primary will challenge Democratic Rep. Tim Walz.
 
Quist and Parry will debate this Friday on Twin Cities Public Television's "Almanac" show.