A list of potential candidates for governor

by Tom Scheck, Minnesota Public Radio,
Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio

Since Gov. Tim Pawlenty has decided not to run for a third term in office, a dozen or more candidates from each major party have expressed interest, or been mentioned, as possible candidates for Minnesota governor in 2010. Here's a list of their names.

(Last update: Oct. 8, 2009)

REPUBLICANS

Announced intention to run

• Leslie Davis, environmental activist
• Rep. Marty Seifert, Marshall, former House minority leader
• Rep. Paul Kohls, Victoria
• Rep. Tom Emmer, Delano
• Sen. Mike Jungbauer, East Bethel
• Bill Haas, Champlin, former lawmaker
• Pat Anderson, former state auditor
• Sen. David Hann, Eden Prairie
• Phil Herwig, Milaca

Expressed interest

• Sen. Geoff Michel, Edina
• Sen. Paul Koering, Fort Ripley
• Rep. Morrie Lanning, Moorhead
• Charlie Weaver, executive director of the Minnesota Business Partnership, former chief of staff for Pawlenty, former lawmaker.
• David Olson, president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

Mentioned by others

• Mike Vekich, businessman, former chair of MnSCU

Has not ruled out run

• Norm Coleman, former U.S. senator
• Sen. Dave Senjem, Rochester, Senate minority leader
• U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann
• Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau
• Sen. Michelle Fischbach, Paynesville

Announced they are not running

• Jim Ramstad, former U.S. representative
• Brian Sullivan, businessman
• Sen. Dick Day, Owatonna
• Rep. Laura Brod, New Prague (withdrew for health reasons)
• Steve Sviggum, commissioner of Labor and Industry, former House speaker

DEMOCRATS

Announced intention to run

• Sen. Tom Bakk, Cook
• Mark Dayton, former U.S. senator
• Matt Entenza, founder of Minnesota 2020, former House minority leader
• Susan Gaertner, Ramsey County attorney
• Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Minneapolis, House speaker
• Sen. John Marty, Roseville
• Rep. Tom Rukavina, Virginia
• Rep. Paul Thissen, Minneapolis
• Steve Kelley, former state senator
• Ole Savior

Expressed interest

• R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis

Announced they are not running

• Chris Coleman, mayor of St. Paul
• U.S. Rep. Tim Walz
• Sen. Tarryl Clark, St. Cloud (is running for 6th Congressional District)

INDEPENDENTS

Expressed interest

• Dean Barkley, former U.S. senator
• Stephen Williams, previous Independence Party candidate

Announced he is not running
• Tim Penny, former U.S. representative

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 06/03/2009, 5:23 p.m.
• All Things Considered, 07/07/2009, 5:53 p.m.