I think the next governor's race could feature the first shake up when it comes to gender in this state. If Gov. Pawlenty does not run again, and I'm not sure why he would want to risk running again after watching the close recount and nasty campaign in the Senate race. Plus, it would be something as Smart Politics writes no Minnesota governor has ever achieved (only gov's who had two-year terms got elected three times). So having no incumbent could really shake things up and how about when it comes to gender?
Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner is running (here's a shot of her literally running in Grandma's Marathon).
I still hear a lot of (if not the most) interest in Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher who has rural and urban credentials, is greatly respected and was a hockey mom before it became politically popular.
But I wonder if the fact Rep. Paul Thissen is exploring a run means Kelliher is not. They are close friends and allies and both from Minneapolis.
Sen. Tom Bakk is also exploring, but it's been a long time since a Ranger made it statewide (think Doug Johnson and Jerry Janezich).
Of course there's the urban mayors Coleman and Rybak who are both able politicians with a built-in base.
On the Republican side, if Pawlenty does not run again Rep. Laura Brod is or could be on the top of a lot of short lists. She's articulate, attractive and feisty. I'd suspect Brian Sullivan to be in the mix as well. Former State Auditor Pat Anderson is also a possibility. Both women were spokespeople for the Republican Party in anti-Franken press conferences this year.
