ROCHESTER — The Republican chase to be Minnesota Sen. Al Franken’s fall challenger is reaching a crucial point in Rochester.

Delegates to the state GOP convention will vote to endorse a candidate. What they decide will determine how soon the race takes on a general-election feel.

State Rep. Jim Abeler, St. Louis County Commissioner Chris Dahlberg, businessman Mike McFadden, farmer Monte Moreno and state Sen. Julianne Ortman are seeking the party’s backing. Abeler and McFadden could opt to run in an August primary without the endorsement. Ortman and Dahlberg say they’ll drop out if the party endorses someone else.

Franken is expected to be endorsed for a second term during this weekend’s Democratic convention in Duluth.

The GOP was also endorsing candidates Friday for auditor, attorney general and secretary of state.