ST. PAUL — Republican Tom Emmer won’t appear with his rival gubernatorial candidates before greater Minnesota city officials in Winona on Thursday.

Spokesman Chris van Guilder says Emmer is meeting with the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce and attending a fundraiser with the Minnesota Trucking Association. Campaign manager Cullen Sheehan says Emmer needs to focus on other aspects of campaigning after three debates in a week.

Democrat Mark Dayton and Independence Party candidate Tom Horner will attend the forum hosted by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities at the group’s summer conference.

Coalition President Timothy Strand is urging Emmer to reconsider. Strand says his absence will send a message to greater Minnesota communities.