Since the Almanac political panel spent most of the time on-air on the Obama health care proposal, we ran out of time to get to the governor's race. But Republicans David Strom and Andy Brehm and Democrats Ember Reichgott Junge and Judy Carter Grundstrom and I did chat about the leaders in the governor's race once the cameras went away.
Everyone on the panel said on the DFL side Mark Dayton is the person who should not be underestimated in a primary and general election. It's also possible Matt Entenza and Dayton could face each other in an expensive primary. If Entenza doesn't get the DFL nomination, there's one theory that Dayton and Entenza could split the primary vote helping the endorsed candidate. To that endorsement, Sen. Tom Bakk seems to be doing well (although we're still hearing a lot of Tom who?). There seems to be much interest in Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher getting in the race and our panelists hear she is taking steps to run and are very excited about her. Panelists were split on Mayor R.T. Rybak's chances because of the timing of his Minneapolis election. One thought January would be too late for anyone to enter the race for governor.
The Republican side seemed easier thus far. Rep. Marty Seifert appears to be the clear favorite with his fundraising, staff and legwork to back up a serious run. Seifert also tells me he will not take any lobbyist contributions which could play especially well in a general election, like Jesse Ventura and Paul Wellstone. Panelists like a lot of the Republican lawmakers making up what seems to be the second tier of candidates, but agree it's hard for any of them to break out. Former State Auditor Pat Anderson could also be a factor with her libertarian followers, but one added those folks are only about 20% of the delegates. And if gender becomes a big factor, such as Kelliher becoming a clear favorite on the DFL side, it could help GOPer Anderson. Panelists were thinking Norm Coleman probably won't get in the race and his decision Monday to wait until spring to announce if he's running could complicate and even slow down the Republican contest.