Of course, running as a Republican in DFL-dominated St. Paul isn’t exactly a formula for electoral success. Johnston actually garnered more votes than Cohen’s GOP challengers in the 2000 and 2006 elections.

Photo: Minnesota Independent

Woodbury attorney Chris Johnston says he is “mulling a run” against Rep. Michele Bachmann in the next Republican primary. Johnston says the district needs to be represented by a Republican “who thinks before they speak.”

Johnston, a self-described “common sense conservative attorney” who has a practice in Roseville, says he is only exploring a run. On his blog he had some harsh words for Bachmann:

“You may have heard of her…Michelle Bachmann. Yes, that Michelle Bachmann — the hiding in the bushes during a gay rally, the “anti-American” hurling, malaprop spouting, they took me out of context, Congress woman. Mrs. Bachmann and I do share some strong conservative beliefs but it has become painfully aware that the people of the 6th District deserve to be represented by someone who thinks before they speak and will work hard to effectively represent every citizen of the district.”

Johnston says he’s had quite a bit of support, but that some prominent Republicans are worried that anti-Bachmann crossover voting from DFLers will spoil the primary. But Johnston said he isn’t too concerned about that.

“Seems to me that what is in the best interest of the party is to have the best candidate on the ballot in November,” he wrote.