Marty forms gubernatorial exploratory committee

by Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio

DFL State Sen. John Marty of Roseville has launched an exploratory campaign for governor.

St. Paul, Minn. — John Marty says he's received strong encouragement from health care reformers and others to run for governor in 2010.

Marty is serving his seventh term in the Minnesota Senate, and is chairman of the Senate's Health Housing and Family Security Committee. He was the DFL-endorsed candidate for governor in 1994, losing to Republican incumbent Arne Carlson.

Marty says times have changed.

"1994, the height of the Gingrich revolution, was not a good time for this. I'm convinced that we're now in the dawning of a new era," said Marty.

Other prominent Democrats have also said they plan to run for governor. The list includes State Sen. Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook), Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner and State Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis).

Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty has not yet announced if he'll seek a third term in 2010.