McCollum backs Kelley for governor

Posted at 12:25 PM on October 20, 2009 by Tom Scheck

DFL Congresswoman Betty McCollum is backing former state Sen. Steve Kelley for governor. In a letter to supporters, McCollum wrote that Kelley is the best equipped to win the job. Here's a portion of the letter she sent to DFL activists.

Minnesota needs a Governor who will work with our Congressional delegation to solve the great issues of our time. Steve is one of the most effective collaborative leaders I've ever known. While he was in the Legislature, he worked to get doctors and trial lawyers to agree on a life-saving bill to report medical mistakes, which has helped to keep MN healthy. Steve believes that President Obama and Congress need a Governor who can make sure that all Minnesotans get access to quality, affordable health care.

As a DFLer, I believe Steve would be the candidate who can finally reverse the decades long trend of losing the Governor's race. Steve is the right candidate at the right time to take back the governor's office for the DFL. He combines solid policy credentials, sound decision-making, and a unique, proven ability to win independent and moderate voters. Steve is the candidate that DFLers have been waiting for to take back the governor's office in 2010.

McCollum is the second DFL member of Minnesota's Congressional delegation to back a candidate for governor. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison raised money and announced he was backing former state Rep. Matt Entenza for the job.

McCollum's backing comes one day after Kelley officially launched his bid for governor. He ran in 2006 but lost the DFL endorsement to then Attorney General Mike Hatch. Kelley says he hasn't decided if he'll abide by the DFL endorsement this time around.

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