The Star Tribune confirms what MN Publius readers have known since Friday: Mark Dayton will be a candidate for Governor in 2010.
“I intend to run for governor,” Dayton said in an interview, adding that he could change his mind. “Three years is a long time away.”
Dayton repeated remarks he made Friday at a gathering of about 250 party supporters in Rochester at the annual Olmsted County DFL dinner.
“He said he was a candidate for governor,” said Lynn Wilson, chair of the Olmsted County DFL, who said the declaration was greeted enthusiastically.
In the interview Sunday, Dayton said he wanted to let activists know about his intentions because Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, who has filed papers to raise and spend money for a gubernatorial race, also attended the dinner.
I hope to write an in depth post on this subject in the coming days, but I am far too tired after a long day of work to tackle that task right now.
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Interesting. I’m more-or-less indifferent about Dayton, but he could add some heft to the field after the 2008 election.
Who cares - Dayton sucks - Dem’s better hope he’s not their candidate.
I’m not surprised he got a good reception to his “announcement” (which doesn’t really count, it’s too damn early for 2010 races by about 2 years). He’s been loyal as hell to the party, and his financial support has been critical. Plus, a lot of people give him credit for knowing when to step aside in the Senate race.
But it doesn’t mean that he has any real support at this point.
About all it means to me at this point is a reminder that a lot of people are going to be showing interest in this race. I like Mark Dayton a lot, I think he’s one of the truly decent people in politics. But I doubt people will be flocking to his, or anyone else’s banner until 2009.
Seriously, it’d be nice to just look at the election in front of us. (which still started up too damn early!)
Dayton’s not a “dithering idiot” nor does he “suck,” to address the notes above. His voting record was progressive in the Senate. Having said that, I have not sensed an ounce of interest among fellow DFL activists when Dayton’s name has come up in this context.
The issue he’s failed to address is, what is it about being governor that is more attractive to him than U.S. Senator? And if he backed out of the race for fear of Mark Kennedy, how will he prevail against a more formidable candidate? In 2000, Dayton spent $250K a week for several weeks before the DFL primary, knocking out better candidates, and to what end?
He’s right that it’s too far in the future in really discuss his run, and I hope it stays that way.
Dayton is a flake. The only reason he doesn’t appear to be as dithering as he is is due to his staff which have to handle him every minute of the day. I wouldn’t be surprised if his announcement was a mistake since he said it off the cuff.
The lasting image of Mark Dayton will always be closing his Senate office in fear when every other Senator did the opposite. This disdainful act of cowardice will never be forgotten.
On top of that - he’s just not a people person. I don’t care how “decent” a person he is and I would never know because I’ve never seen that side of him.