Koenig was a media consultant from Sartell. Koenig later pled guilty to a misdeamor charge for co-mingling campaign funds and the Ethical Practices Board delivered fines against him for two political action committee violations. He was also an Independent-Republican candidate for Auditor in 1990 and 1994, the Independence Party nominee for the SD 16 special election in December 1994, a Republican candidate for SD 12 in 1996, and a Republican candidate for Secretary of State in 1998.
Rachner was a retired teacher from St. Paul, Independent-Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 1982, Independent-Republican nominee for the 4th CD 1984, Independent-Republican candidate for the 8th CD in 1988, Independent-Republican candidate for Governor in 1990, DFL presidential candidate in 1992, and Independent-Republican candidate for the 4th CD in 1992.
Nysether, a Lutheran pastor from Roseau, former state Representative (HD 01A, 1979-1983), and the party-endorsed candidate.
After the primary, Rachner filed suit against Koenig in Ramsey County District Court for violating Minnesota election laws.