Sticking a fork in it: Rep. Connie Ruth will not seek re-election

Update: The OPP reports that Owatonna Mayor Tom Kuntz is seeking endorsement from the district's Republicans. Both Republican and DFL party local leaders believe the seat will competitive. If endorsed, Kuntz should be a strong candidate, given his leadership of the Highway 14 Partnership. [end update]

At the Capitol: Put a fork in it, an entertaining News Cut headline about a cake Connie Ruth brought to celebrate Minnesota's sesquicentennial, turns to have been an inadvertent harbinger for news from  Owatonna. 

The Owatonna People's Press reports that Ruth passes on re-election bid in November.

From the looks of the candidates in 26A who are registered with the Campaign Finance Board, the DFL has yet to endorse a candidate for this seat. Kathy Muellerleile challenged Ruth in 2004 and 2006. In the first contest, Ruth received 54.48 percent to Muelleleile's 45.29 percent. In 2006, Ruth did slightly better, garnering 56.37 percent versus her challenger's 43.43 percent.

The District includes parts of Steele and Waseca Counties, including Owatonna and Waseca. Senator Dick Day, who is running for the nomination for Congress in the Republican primary, represents Senate District 26. Should he win the primary endorsement, he won't be home in Owatonna to help whomever ends up being the Republican state house candidate in the open seat.