Gov. Tom Rukavina?
The brash and outspoken Iron Range lawmaker said Tuesday he envisions a way in which he can slingshot past DFL favorites Margaret Anderson Kelliher and R.T. Rybak to win the party's gubernatorial endorsement later this month.
"I don't think anybody's got this race locked up," he said. "There's a lot of wiggle room for people to move up. Eventually, they will pick someone they think can win. I am that person."
Rukavina said he considers himself the leader in the "second tier" of candidates. The list includes state Sen. John Marty and state Rep. Paul Thissen.
"I laid out a strategy for this campaign eight or nine months ago and I am happy with where I am at," Rukavina said. "I think that our strategy for changing minds at the convention is going to work and that I am going to be the choice for governor."
Rukavina faces a major challenge to win the endorsement in Duluth. Kelliher, the House Speaker, has strong support among delegates. Rybak, the mayor of Minneapolis, has big-city name recognition and a coalition of support among delegates.
"I am just going to keep doing what I am doing," he said. "My campaign slogan hit the nail on the head with 'refreshingly honest.' That's the way I've always been and that's the way I'd be as a governor."
