The first gubernatorial candidate to address the convention, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak took the stage and immediately took a shot at Republican Gov.Tim Pawlenty, saying that for too long Minnesota has been led "by leaders who spend too much time playing defense."
Rybak told the delegates that the DFL has failed to win the governor's office in a generation because the party has not been able to show Minnesotans they can "manage" the state's highest executive office. He touted his own financial management accomplishments as mayor.
He said he is the candidate who can convince Minnesotans that a Democrat can be an effective chief executive. "We have not been able to convince Minnesotans that Democrats can manage," he said.
"Stand up Democrats, because the time for losing elections is over," he finished to a chant of "R.T.! R.T.!"
Afterwards, Rybak expanded on his management theme."Margaret's career has been as a legislator," he said, when asked to compare his strengths to Kelliher's. "Mine has been in the public and private sector, the only one who has been a chief executuve."
He said he's balanced the city budget "while the state has made cuts." Go here to read the transcript of Rybak's speech.
