The race for Minnesota House District 7A heated up Monday when Republicans endorsed Al Johnson over Harry Welty during a convention at Duluth's Radisson Hotel.

Johnson, 32, is a newcomer to politics, while Welty has run for state office several times.

Welty, a Duluth School Board member, said he would challenge Johnson in a September primary rather than leave the party. The winner of that primary will face Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party incumbent Tom Huntley.

Huntley is seeking election for his sixth term in the House.

Welty's position on abortion pushed Republican delegates towards Johnson, Welty said in a fiery press release issued Tuesday.

Calling delegates, "pro-life zealots," Welty said he opposes abortion but not in cases of rape or incest.

"I will not quit the Republican Party," Welty said. "Instead, I will reclaim it for moderate conservatives by challenging the endorsed Republican candidate."

But Johnson said Welty was misrepresenting his position on abortion.

"I think it's tolerable in cases of rape and incest and, of course, when the mother's life is at immediate risk," Johnson said.

House District 7A Republican Party Chairwoman Patt Carlson said abortion was a factor but wasn't the only factor separating the two candidates.

Johnson, a paramedic for Gold Cross Ambulance and St. Luke's One medical helicopter, is a veteran and also seemed to have "more fire in his belly," Carlson said.

"I think his youth and enthusiasm were big factors," she said.

Both Johnson and Welty have filed for election with the St. Louis County Auditor's Office.