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Thissen launches run for governor; Rukavina explores run
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State Rep. Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, officially threw his hat into the increasingly crowded 2010 gubernatorial ring on Thursday.
Thissen, who chairs the Health and Human Services Policy Committee, is serving his fourth term. He has been exploring a run for governor since November. A former public defender, he chairs the pro bono committee at the Briggs and Morgan law firm.
In his announcement, he emphasized the "growing economic insecurity" of Minnesotans and said he will focus on the issues of health care, renewable energy and education.
Also Thursday, Rep. Tom Rukavina, an Iron Ranger serving his 12th state House term, filed paperwork allowing him to explore running.
He noted the geographic tilt among the DFL contenders and said he will decide whether to run by early September.
"It's time for a greater Minnesota governor again," said Rukavina, DFL-Virginia.
OTHER DFLERS who have started campaigns or are considering one include Sen. Tom Bakk of Cook, Sen. Tarryl Clark of St. Cloud, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, former U.S. Sen Mark Dayton, former House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, Former state Sen. Steve Kelley, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher of Minneapolis, Sen. John Marty of Roseville and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.
On the Republican side, campaigns have been launched by state Sen. David Hann of Eden Prairie, former State Auditor Pat Anderson, former House Minority Leader Marty Seifert of Marshall and Rep. Tom Emmer of Delano.
Others also are considering running, or are poised to do so.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
BOB VON STERNBERG
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