Minnesota Republicans will pick their candidate for governor on Friday, after months of campaigning.

The closely matched contest comes down to two state representatives, Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert. Five others whose campaigns haven’t caught on are also putting their names in.

Emmer picked up a last-minute wind on Thursday when former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin backed him.

Both Emmer and Seifert have promised to drop out if the other is endorsed.

The endorsing contest is expected to get under way in the morning and last most of the day.

Party leaders plan a unity breakfast on Saturday after the pick is made.