Eds: APNewsNow; UPDATES with Kelliher endorsement.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Minnesota's second largest state employee union is lending its backing to Democratic candidate Margaret Anderson Kelliher in the 2010 governor's race.

The 12,500-member Minnesota Association of Professional Employees screened the 2010 candidates earlier in the week and announced Thursday it was endorsing the state House speaker.

The union's executive director, Jim Monroe, said the screening committee deemed Kelliher the most electable candidate.

Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty isn't trying for a third term, and more than 20 people are angling to replace him.

So far, Minnesota labor unions have gone in several directions on the race. Five major unions have now sided with five different Democrats.

The largest state workers union is supporting former U.S. Sen.

Mark Dayton.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-12-09 1007CST | save this article / add to your favorites list