State Sen. John Marty, who was the DFL candidate for governor in 1994, may join a growing list of Democrats seeking the office in 2010. Marty, of Roseville, announced Monday that he is raising money for an exploratory run, and supporters have set up a website urging him to run.
Marty, 52, a 22-year member of the state Senate from Roseville, lost to Republican Gov. Arne Carlson in 1994. He made another gubernatorial bid in 1998, dropping out ahead of the DFL primary.
Marty heads the Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee and has focused on issues such as universal health care. The website indicates that he will focus on the need for affordable health care, decent wages for workers, and a sustainable energy policy.
Four other DFLers have filed paperwork to run for governor in 2010: Sen. Tom Bakk of Cook; Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner; Rep. Paul Thissen of Minneapolis, and frequent candidate Ole Savior. Other names mentioned as possible DFL candidates include former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton; House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher of Minneapolis; Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak; St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman; former House Minority Leader Matt Entenza of St. Paul and Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark of St. Cloud.
Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty has said he will announce next year whether he will seek a third term.
MARK BRUNSWICK
