State GOP complains about mayors campaigning

Last update: September 28, 2009 - 9:45 PM

The Minnesota Republican Party announced a formal complaint Monday against St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, saying both men are actively running for governor but are violating a state law that requires them to formally register their campaigns.

The complaint raised what has become a delicate issue for Coleman and Rybak, both of whom are running in mayoral elections this year but have also shown signs they are considering joining a crowded field in next year's governor's race. John Stiles, Coleman's mayoral campaign manager, downplayed the complaint Monday and said Coleman would have a statement on his political plans in October, before votes were cast in the St. Paul mayor's race.

In its complaint filed with the state campaign finance board, state GOP officials said that although Coleman is running for reelection as mayor his expenditures are "part of a broader and more sophisticated effort" to run for governor. Rybak, according to Republican Party officials, has also surpassed the $100 legal threshold in spending that required him to formally register his gubernatorial campaign.

A spokesman for the state Campaign Finance board said that, by law, the panel does not confirm whether a complaint has been filed, and only comments when it issues a ruling.

Rybak's office did not respond to a request for an interview.

Stiles likewise said he would not comment on Coleman's plans. "I'm not going to answer that because it just kind of gets into strategy and what not," he said.

MIKE KASZUBA

Recent Local Politics stories

2 mayoral candidates go head-to-head in St. Paul - September 28, 2009

2 mayoral candidates go head-to-head in St. Paul - .Incumbent Chris Coleman said he'd helped the city's citizens in many ways. Eva Ng chided him for having higher ambitions. More

Teamsters unit backs Rybak for governor - September 28, 2009

Teamsters unit backs Rybak for governor - Teamsters Local 120, the largest Teamsters unit in Minnesota, has endorsed Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak for governor. More

Comment on this story | Read all 26 comments | Hide reader comments

Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.

Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.

StarTribune.com: Steals + Deals & Classifieds