Former Bachmann staffer launches Minn. campaign group

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- There's a new player among outside groups seeking to shape Minnesota elections.

A veteran GOP operative, Andy Parrish, launched the new political fund, according to records kept by Minnesota campaign finance regulators. His formation of A Stronger Minnesota enables unlimited fundraising and spending on behalf of Republican hopefuls as long as the help isn't coordinated with candidates.

Independent campaign groups have taken on a larger role in state and federal races in recent years.

A Stronger Minnesota is being fashioned as a response to the Alliance for a Better Minnesota, a well-funded group formed to aid Democratic candidates and causes.

Parrish also has a lead role in the campaign to write a gay-marriage ban into Minnesota's constitution. He was previously a top adviser to Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann.

AP-