Keith Downey keeps spot as Minnesota Republican party chairman

Keith Downey is still the top dog as the Minnesota Republican Party Chairman. He was re-elected with 68 percent of the vote at the state committee meeting Saturday.

Downey said it is time for a "comeback" of the party, the Pioneer Press reports. Downey was criticized for the party's $1.4 million in debt and stances on social issues such as gay marriage, according to MPR News.

Downey stated in a GOP press release:

“I want to express my appreciation to all Party leaders and activists involved in the process. I am thrilled to renew my leadership as Chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota and continue to improve our efforts reaching out to Minnesotans. Over the last two years the Party has increased outreach, communications, and political efforts that will continue to improve and expand our operations for the 2016 elections. I look forward to the next two years helping elect Republicans to create growth and opportunity for all. The turn around is over and the comeback has begun!”

Downey begins his second term as the chairman, which is a two-year position. He had two libertarian challengers for the seat Neil Lynch and Bill Jungbauer, KSTP reports.

He previously served in the Minnesota House from 2009 - 2012, before he was elected party chair in 2013.