Former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, a Republican, just released a statement on Republican Pat Anderson's decision to drop out of the governor's race and run for auditor instead. The statement says he embraces her candidacy but doesn't answer the key question about whether he will run for governor.
Anderson said one of the reasons she dropped out was because of the shadow a possible Coleman candidacy cast over the race.
Coleman's statement:
Pat Anderson and I have both served as Mayors and have had to make tough fiscal choices in order to create an environment for jobs and economic growth. The leadership necessary to balance budgets, while still ensuring that government performs its critical responsibilities, is a hallmark of Pat Anderson.
While Mayors, we shared a common vision which brought labor and business and the private and public sectors together to get things done. We created more jobs, made our communities safer and, in the end, restored hope and confidence during the most difficult of economic times. I believe Pat Anderson will continue that commonsense leadership as Minnesota's Auditor, and I heartily embrace her candidacy.
In the near future, my decision about which path I intend to pursue to help Minnesota and its citizens address our state's challenges and opportunities will become clear.
But, it's clear that we must find common ground among Democrats, Republicans and Independents on the great issues of our day. Minnesotans need jobs. Together, we must find a common path in which government is a catalyst for job creation, economic growth, environmental protection and quality education for all of our children. We must find a common path in which we address the fiscal challenges that threaten our economy, and our state's future.
I look forward to being a part of that debate about Minnesota's future in whatever role I believe is most beneficial.
