Republican Alan Quist, who defeated fellow Republican Mike Parry in Tuesday's primary, is calling for the party to unite behind him as he tries to defeat First District Democratic Congressman Tim Walz in November.
                     
In a statement issued Wednesday Quist says Republicans need to join hands together to bring about change in direction that the federal government so desperately needs.  He said he is committed to an agressive approach and constructive engagement in the battle of ideas between to two party's.
                     
Quist also said he gladly accepts the challenge of participating in three debates proposed by Walz.  He also noted that three of the biggest issues the candidates need to confront are absent from the proposed topics.  He says yhey are the Federal debt, the Affordable Care Act, and America's energy policy.

GOP state party chair, and Winona native, Pat Shortridge  issued a statement saying that in 2010, less than 50% of voters in the First Congressional District voted to re-elect Tim Walz. He said Walz has done nothing in the past two years to restore faith among southern Minnesotans that he can get the job done.
                   
Shortridge said, this fall, Republicans are confident that first district voters will hold Tim Walz accountable for his abysmal record, and will vote to elect Allen Quist.