Almanac: At the Capitol

Democratic candidates for governor are gearing up and not resting this holiday season.  Some key contacts in the political world are sending out invites.  Susan Gaertner's supporters sent out this message on Facebook:

I hope you will make plans to attend the Susan Gaertner event on Tuesday. It will be a good venue to meet Susan and hear about her plans to defeat Tim Pawlenty in 2010. It's also Susan's birthday and I suspect there will be a birthday surprise for her during the event.

Over the past two years, I've had a chance to get to know Susan and her work as the Ramsey County Attorney. She's hard working, knowledgeable, and an effective leader.

I admire her dedication to justice and to public service. She's tough and compassionate and these qualities will serve Minnesota well when she faces the challenges of governing through difficult times.

Please accept my personal invitation to attend Tuesday's event. I wish you a peaceful and restful Thanksgiving holiday.
All my best,

Jorge Saavedra F.

Sen. Tom Bakk has an event coming up as well, here's the info from another connected supporter:

Below, please find an invitation to a special event with Senator Tom Bakk to raise money for arrowhead region food shelves.   Last year, with your help we successfully raised over $60,000. The need is even greater this year and hope you will help us reach our goal of $75,000, or 375,000 meals! 

A message on behalf of Senator Tom Bakk:

Please Consider Contributing to Hunger Solutions and attending the Second Annual Stock the Shelves fundraiser on:

Wednesday, December 10

at The Liffey in St. Paul

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Suggested Contribution, $25 

Checks Payable to Hunger Solutions 

If you would like to contribute at a sponsorship level, please contact Lydia Bohn at lkbohn@locklaw.com or by calling 651.253.8237.

Every $1 you contribute gives 5 meals to families in need this holiday season.

John M. Kavanagh

Director of Government Affairs

Cook Hill Girard Associates, Ltd

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.