Update 3:50 p.m.: We called a source close to the congressman who confirmed that Tim Walz will not be running for governor. Hats off to MnPublius for breaking the accurate news.[end update]
Zack at MNPublius is reporting Rumors Swirl: Walz Has Decided Against Gov Run. We know who Zack's source and his wife are, and believe that this is indeed a very credible couple in Rochester's activist community--and among the staunchest supporters of the First District representative.
Go read the short post over there.
Update #2: The MinnPost's Eric Black talked directly with Congressman Walz.Black concludes:
Walz, a National Guard veteran with strong interest in military
international issues, said those interest and experiences were among
the reasons that staying in Congress was the right decision.
He also said that his personal style and skills seem best suited for the work of a congressman.
That concurs with what our source said off-the-record. [end update]
This is bad news for First District Republicans and probably good news for Gov. Pawlenty. I think Walz would have been a very formidable candidate for Governor against Pawlenty (should he run for a third term).
That said, Republican hopes for taking back the district have got to be dispirited after this news. Barring an unforeseen political tsunami, Walz should be a shoo in for 2010 - particularly if the GOP runs failed candidate Brian Davis a second time.
As I've noted previously, I'm going to be very curious how the first district gets carved up in the next redistricting - especially in light of the news that we're likely to lose a congressional district.
Posted by: Chris | December 14, 2008 at 10:50 PM