JOHN MARTY

More than any other candidate for governor, Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, has made his mark championing "Good Government" legislation. He pushed successfully for campaign finance reform and to ban lobbyists and interest groups from gift-giving to public officials.

First elected to the Senate in 1986, Marty, 53, is one of the most senior legislators at the Capitol and a vocal advocate for single-payer health coverage. His party's nominee in 1994, Marty lost by a 2-1 ratio to Republican Arne Carlson.

MATT ENTENZA

A former House minority leader, Entenza emphasized improving workers compensation and unemployment insurance, gaining high marks from unions. Entenza, 48, of St. Paul, served in the House from 1995 through 2006, when his political career was derailed after news surfaced that he'd hired an opposition research firm to investigate DFLer Mike Hatch. Entenza withdrew his bid for attorney general, later creating the think tank Minnesota 2020, which argued that the state was sliding toward mediocrity.

Entenza's early campaign ads have pushed for spending on wind, biomass and solar energy production along with other investments.

MARGARET ANDERSON KELLIHER

After six terms in the House, including two as speaker, Margaret Anderson Kelliher has become a top-tier contender for her party's endorsement. She's faced down Gov. Tim Pawlenty in budget negotiations and won plaudits from her party for engineering a rare override of his veto. But she's had bumps, including a legislative logjam last year that some say opened the door for Pawlenty's solo budget cuts.

Kelliher's pitch: She knows the ways of the Capitol and will be ready to govern on Day One. She's picked up support from unions, many sitting lawmakers and other local and national groups.

R.T. RYBAK

Two-term Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak wants to leverage his work as a big-city chief executive into a successful gubernatorial bid.

A former journalist and entrepreneur, Rybak says Minnesotans needs a tested executive ready to lead in a trying time. Among his top issues: economic development, resolving the multibillion-dollar budget deficit and preparing young Minnesotans for the future. Rybak has said he'd look for ways to cut costs by reforming the way government operates, but is not against raising some taxes.

TOM RUKAVINA

With 23 years in the Legislature, Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, has become a legendary figure among the Iron Range delegation. Passionate and outspoken, Rukavina tangled regularly on the House floor with onetime House Minority Leader Tim Pawlenty.

A former steel miner, Rukavina has never wavered from his populist message of better jobs, better education and a cleaner environment. He has secured endorsements from several labor unions and fellow Iron Ranger U.S. Rep. James Oberstar.

PAUL THISSEN OVERHAULING HEALTH CARE COVERAGE HAS BEEN AT THE TOP OF DFL REP. PAUL THISSEN'S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA. THISSEN ALSO WAS CHIEF SPONSOR OF THE CHILDREN'S HEALTH SECURITY ACT, CREDITED WITH HELPING TO COVER NEARLY 40,000 YOUNGSTERS BY RAISING INCOME LIMITS FOR ASSISTANCE. FIRST ELECTED TO THE HOUSE IN 2002, THISSEN, 43, IS ALSO A PARTNER AT A MINNEAPOLIS LAW FIRM. HE ADVOCATES RAISING INCOME TAXES FOR THE WEALTHIEST MINNESOTANS TO GENERATE $1 BILLION FOR EDUCATION OVER FIVE YEARS.

Ole Savior

If you've voted in Minnesota before, you've seen Savior's name. He's sought statewide offices for nearly two decades.

He's never made it past a primary, but the "artist, poet and writer" keeps trying. He plans to run in the August primary.