Tim Pawlenty may or may not run for a glorious third term as the top dog in Minnesota. Who would you like to see run against him (or against his successor)?
26 thoughts on “MN-Gov: Statewide Recruitment Thread”
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Tim Pawlenty may or may not run for a glorious third term as the top dog in Minnesota. Who would you like to see run against him (or against his successor)?
Comments are closed.
I vote for bat-shit crazy Michelle. She’ll no doubt lose statewide, and then we can finally take her seat. haha
On another note, what is the word on OH-15? I haven’t really heard much on what was going on there. I know this is way off topic, but I’ve been waiting for a new open thread, and there hasn’t been one in a bit. lol hint hint.
is runoff or instant runoff voting. some way to get it back to a 2 way race. otherwise republicans will continue to win elections with 42-47% of the vote.
Any chance of State Auditor Rebecca Otto (who was also a State Rep) running? Or Attorney General Lori Swanson. I’ve also heard Congressman Tim Walz’s name mentioned. Already listed as running are the Ramsey County Prosecurtor (who’s name escapes me) and former Senator Mark Drayton.
I go to school at the U in Minneapolis, and I know that a lot of the younger, politically-active folk are pretty big on the idea of Mayor R.T. Rybak. R.T. would be a great governor – the guy’s very humble, very smart, a fantastic speaker and over the course of this past election took part in a lot of grassroots campaigning. He would definitely galvanize the younger crowd all over the state. I’ve already heard talk of a “Draft R.T.” student group starting.
Already we’ve got tons of candidates.
Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner
State Rep Paul Thissen
State Senator Tom Bakk
And
Frmr Senator Mark Dayton
Frmer state rep Matt Entenza
Are both widely rumored to be running and Dayton has in fact said he will run but neither have filed formal paperwork.
There are tons of rumored candidates
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak (Has said he’ll decide between re-election as mayor or governor in the next month or two)
Rep. Tim Walz (Seems happy in Washington but would be a formidable candidate)
Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher
State Sen. Tarryl Clark
And I’ve heard at least a dozen more names mentioned and probably they want to become governor but I doubt they’ll go for it in this crowded field.
If Walz runs he probably thins the competition and I’d probably support him. I really like R.T. Rybak though and if Walz doesn’t get in I’m 110 percent behind him.
Well, I guess the DFL party has to continue in the tradition of “find the worst candidate possible”.
… he wins. He went from being an unknown school teacher 3 years ago to winning re-election to the House by 30 points and carrying every county in his District (including some very Red ones). His Bio just plays well in Minnesota, especially outstate. High School Teacher, 24 year National Guard Vet, highest ranking enlisted man ever to serve in the US Congress. He probably wouldn’t be the most progressive candidate but he would be the most likely to win IMO.
BTW I think the outcome of the Franken/Coleman recount may have a bearing on wether Walz runs for Gov. If Franken wins Walz only shot at statewide office in the forseeable future would be the Governorship, If Coleman wins Walz may decide to bide his time in the House and run for Senate in 2014.
including:
Tom Bakk, State Senator
Mark Dayton, Former U.S. Senator
Matt Entenza, Former State House Minority Leader
Susan Gaertner, Ramsey County Attorney
Ole Savior, Artist, Perennial candidate
Paul Thissen, State Representative
Who are all running according to wikipedia. Other potential candidates include:
Rep. Tim Walz
May. R.T. Ryback
May. Chris Coleman
Rep. Betty McCollum
Al Franken
Mike Ciresi
Speaker Margaret Kelliher
St. Sen. Tarryl Clark
AG Lori Swanson
Auditor Rebecca Otto
St. Sen Terri Bonoff
Ashin Madia
This is up there with California and Oregon with all the potential Dem competitors.
If Pawlenty doesn’t run, R’s may be in trouble with a weak bench…
He only left the Senate because he was so vulnerable to losing in 2006. I think he’d be a terrible candidate. I would prefer Tim Walz hold his seat for a few more terms before going statewide. If God forbid Al Franken doesn’t pull this thing out, Walz needs to run against Smilin’ Norm in 2014.
There’s a deep bench of elected officials in the state. One of them should throw their hat in the ring.
I hadn’t thought about the possibility of Pawlenty running for a third term. I just assumed he was term limited out of office.
I think he will ultimately not stand for re-election to gear up for his 2012 bid. After his squeaker of a win in 2006 against a poor DFL candidate with a bad campaign, he can’t afford to gamble on another gubernatorial bid that could end his chances for national office.
I don’t even want to bother here because of that damn Independence Party. Minnesota tilts to the left, but it’s a big hurdle to jump over when you have some self-important spoiler sucking up 5-10% of the vote at least.
But we still need to do something because T-Paw needs to go away and never ever come back. Tim Walz might be able to do it depending on the strength of the Independence nominee, as he’s a pretty good fundraiser. I like AG Lori Swanson as well, but isn’t she in some kind of scandal?
I think she stands the best chance of winning. Lives in Minneapolis and is Minneapolis liberal, grew up on a farm in Mankato so can play well in greater Minnesota. Rybak could be seen as too city liberal however, he is an awesome choice as well and he is an energetic campaigner and excellent speaker.
Either would be great choices, Kelliher has a better shot at winning. Kelliher/Rybak is my choice.
There is…
Pawlenty
Ramstad
anyone else? Anyone know of a state senator or representative willing to go for it?
What’s the one dude who ran for AG against Swanson, and then did he run for Hennepin County commissioner as I saw lawn signs for him and I thought they were the same person.
Jeff Johnson was his name.