Will R.T. Rybak's third time charm the DFL?

The party will decide on Saturday whether to endorse the mayor, who may have a better shot at approval this time.

By STEVE BRANDT, Star Tribune

Last update: May 14, 2009 - 9:26 PM

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He was elected mayor of a heavily DFL city twice, but one item is missing from Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak's political resume. A DFL endorsement.

That may change Saturday, when city DFLers convene at 10 a.m. at Washburn High School to consider endorsements for mayor, Park Board and the tax-setting Board of Estimate and Taxation.

Rybak's campaign considered it a victory in 2001 when the largely unknown southwest Minneapolitan blocked endorsement of incumbent Sharon Sayles Belton. But tables were turned in 2005 when Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin blocked endorsement of incumbent Rybak.

Two things have changed to improve Rybak's chances of securing the 60 percent support needed for endorsement:

First, he's solidified ties with state DFLers, as evidenced by his selection as their 2007 elected official of the year -- recognition he gained as co-chairman of the Minnesota campaign of Barack Obama.

"He got in there early ... and reached out to a lot of new people and worked hard for Obama," said city DFL treasurer Tim Bonham. He added that Rybak's efforts may have supplied the edge in Democrat Al Franken's bid for the U.S. Senate.

Second, Rybak has no opponent with the visibility of Sayles Belton or McLaughlin.

Bob Miller tried to capitalize on dissatisfaction among activists over changes in neighborhood programs. But that issue didn't get enough traction to match the pro-Rybak turnout at precinct caucuses.

Miller suspended his campaign because of family health issues and has said he won't challenge an endorsee. There's no plan to nominate him Saturday, said his campaign treasurer, Debbie Evans.

Supporters of community activist Al Flowers Jr. say they plan to nominate him, but he entered the race only five weeks ago, more than a month after delegates were chosen.

Some activists see the Rybak-backed lack of a question-answer period for candidates in recommended convention rules as an attempt to minimize the outspoken Flowers' impact on proceedings.

Rybak's campaign says the process will be more streamlined that way, giving delegates time to consider all endorsements. And delegates can buttonhole candidates at ward conventions and on Saturday, the campaign says.

Delegates last week expressed a spectrum of perspectives on Rybak. John Jansen from the Longfellow community is a first-time city delegate and a strong supporter.

"He seems to have the potential to build some serious bridges with citizens who may not have been served well by our leaders," he said, referring to disadvantaged citizens.

Nikki Carlson of Linden Hills strayed to McLaughlin in 2005 but now supports Rybak, saying his second term has been more productive, with a greater emphasis on schools.

That greater emphasis is a major reason Steve Kotvis of Kenwood will support Rybak. "I know there are other parts of the city that have major, major issues with him, but I just don't," he said.

Detractors often cite his push for more centralized control over neighborhood programs. "No way will I support him," said Bruce Leier of Powderhorn, who called him "clever in a very superficial way." Lois Hill of Longfellow supported Rybak twice before, but "Three terms is absurd," she said.

Rybak was unavailable to comment for this article, but at ward conventions he's emphasized improving public safety, boosting economic opportunity, connecting the city's physical spaces, and connecting young people with the global economy.

CAMPAIGN ADMITS 'MISTAKE': Green's Cam Gordon hadn't given approval for support. B9

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