Beyond Tim Pawlenty, Sarah Palin and members of the Republican legislative caucus, it’s getting harder and harder to think of familiar Republican names standing up for Tom Emmer.

The newest members of the Republicans-for-Tom Horner choir are former Gov. Al Quie and former Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Kelley. They join former Gov. Arne Carlson, former Sen. Dave Durenberger and a flock of lesser-known former Republican state legislators who have come out for Horner.

One thing that should be noted about this whole endorsement business: Emmer and DFL candidate Mark Dayton each have received a long list of endorsements, typically en masse, from members of their own party. Those endorsements don’t make much news because they’re so expected.

 (The underplayed endorsement of the week probably was the decision by maverick legislator - and hero of the outdoor crowd — Bob Lessard announcing his support of Dayton. Unlike so many of the endorsers, Lessard may actually have a constituency.) 

Each time Horner picks up an endorsement — which, with the notable exception of Mike Ciresi, typically have been Republican — it’s seen as a big deal.