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National Democrats target governor's race in Minnesota
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Minnesota's wide-open 2010 governor's race is being targeted by national Democrats as a ripe takeover target.
The Democratic Governors Association sent a fundraising e-mail to supporters Tuesday highlighting Minnesota, Alaska, Florida and Georgia as "top pickup prospects."
In the wake of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's decision to bow out of next year's race, a host of Democratic and Republican gubernatorial aspirants have been scrambling to position themselves for a run.
Ray Glendening, the governors association's political director, wrote that Pawlenty's decision "leaves an open seat in a reliably blue state."
He also invoked DFLers' biggest opponents -- Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Sen. Norm Coleman -- in his pitch.
"Bachmann, you may remember, called for an 'armed and dangerous' revolution against President Obama's policies," Glendening wrote. "And when Norm Coleman lost his 2008 Senate race, he wasted millions of dollars on legal maneuvers designed to keep Al Franken from being seated.
"Can you imagine what Bachmann or Coleman would do if they took control of Minnesota and its eight congressional districts?"
Although the names of both Bachmann and Coleman have been bruited about as potential candidates, both have demurred about the possibility.
Florida and Georgia also are open seat races, and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has not said whether she's running again.
BOB VON STERNBERG
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Current state office holders
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.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
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