A couple of weeks ago, Congressman Walz assured his supporters that he would be seeking re-election in 2010 rather than running for governor. Last week, the Post Bulletin's Heather Carlson heard more in an interview with Walz:
Walz says no, but plenty of Democrats to take his place
In recent days, 1st District U.S. Rep. Tim Walz of Mankato shot down speculation that he might consider a run for governor in 2010. The DFLer said he was honored by the chatter but isn't about to switch jobs.
"I am not a big fan of people running for office and moving on to another one," Walz said during an interview at his Rochester office last week.
But plenty of other Democrats are eyeing the big prize. Speculation has been swirling around Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. Then there are other DFLers who have already mobilized campaigns: Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, Rep. Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, and Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook.
Bakk was in Rochester last week for a legislative panel sponsored by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. He also sat in for an interview with the Post-Bulletin's editorial board, joined by Sen. Ann Lynch, DFL-Rochester.
Last week, we posted about the Austin Herald's article about elected officials speaking to students at Grand Meadow. Gubernatorial candidate and state representative Paul Thissen put in an appearance. An earlier article in the Post Bulletin chronicling Walz's visit to the Grand Meadow school had helped fuel the chatter about the possibility of a gubernatorial big by the First district congressman.
We'll be keeping an eye peeled for DFL gubernatorial candidates who visit Walz land.
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