Republican Kohls drops out of governor's race

by Tom Scheck, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — State Rep. Paul Kohls says he is suspending his campaign for governor in the wide-open race.

Kohls, a Republican from Victoria, said he's suspending his campaign because other candidates were receiving stronger support from delegates.

"I've come to the conclusion that I don't have sufficient support from the delegates to keep going," said Kohls. "I want to make sure that the Republicans are in the best position to prevail in 2010, and it was just the right decision at the right time for me."

Kohls said he isn't going to back another candidate for governor at this time and isn't sure if he'll run again for his seat in the Minnesota House. T

There are eight other Republicans running for the open seat, and 10 DFLers are either running or are considering a run for governor. Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced in June that he won't run for a third term.