I have attempted to confirm this story with the Congressman’s office, but with no luck so far. In addition to the source mentioned above, one commenter on an earlier MN Publius post claims his wife has been told by Walz staff that a decision not to run has been made.
I’ll update when/if more information becomes available.
Update by Aaron: MinnPost’s Eric Black confirms as well as Bluestem Prairie’s Sally Sorensen.
I got a call. He’s not running.
We’re keeping him here in the First…HANDS OFF OUR CONGRESSMAN!!
Hats off to Zack for breaking the news. I’ve just spoken to a reliable source close to the congressman; this source confirmed the tip in the comments.
Eric Black confirms it.
With this I’m no longer conflicted.
Draft Rybak!
Go Kelliher!
Zach got it from me.
I got it from she who must not be named.
I must say: I have always predicted that Walz would not run for Governor in 2010
This bodes well for the Thissen camp; Paul is a natural move for the Walz troops.
I’m glad Walz is not running for the Governer’s office. We need him in Congress, and we still have a good field to choose from for the Governer’s race.
Okay. Well, MAK better run. Entenza can not and will not win. So, if not Margaret than who? Tarryl?
What about Mark Dayton? Any thoughts about his run? Susan Gaertner is running already, too. Any comments on Susan?
Just wondering…..
Rough Rider- Paul Thissen has no chance. not with the type of field that is going to come out for the gov race.
O well, at least I won’t be conflicted. GO Kelliher!
Roseville Dem:
Paul Thissen has no chance? Ever met the man? He’s exactly what the state needs: thoughtful, innovative, meaningful leadership. You tout the “field that is going to come out for the gov race” — who’s that? Dayton? Gaertner? If the DFL gives another honorary, “your time has come” nomination the DFL can count on many of us looking elsewhere. Who else? Entenza? He’s one step removed from Blago. Kelliher? Nice job reigning in Pawlenty. We can do better, and will do better with Paul Thissen. Paul Thissen is going to win.
Thissen is probably the most intelligent and decent one in the bunch. All of the potentials have something to offer, but there are disqualifying pieces for each of them. For example:
The “Minneapolis Liberals” who will frighten outstate voters with their social agenda, and terrify suburban voters with high taxes. None of this is necessarily true, but the GOP will use this with some degree of effectiveness. This eliminates RT, MAK, Thissen, and Ole Savior.
The Range - Sorry Tom Bakk, you’re a great voice for labor, but there are eight people left on the range, and about 5 million off the range.
Susan Gaertner will have John Woodele (aka Austin Powers) running her campaign, and that’s not a track record I would want.
Your history precedes you - Go to the back of the line Mr. Dayton.
Beating Randy Kelly does not translate into statewide appeal, keep up the good work in St. Paul Chris Coleman.
I am sorry, you dared challenge the great and powerful MAK, go back to the suburbs Mr. Atkins.
Unless we get some more names in the mix, we might be left with Dick Franson.
“Who else? Entenza? He’s one step removed from Blago.”
That’s the best Entenza description yet.
While Tim would make a fantastic Governor, he is needed more in Congress where he is establishing himself as a tireless advocate for the people of the 1st CD.
No worries. The DFL will manage to nominate the modern equivalent of Jerry Janezich.
The republicans will be coming out of the woodwork in 2010 - especially to defeat Mark Ritchie in the Secretary of State race. Walz will lose in the toss-up first district in 2010 if there is any kind of republican surge. Pawlenty will be plenty safe no matter who his opponent is - the democratic state legislature will over-push their more socialist agenda and most Minnesotans want Pawlenty there to veto the worst of it.
Walz has that seat for the next 30 years if he wants it. Did you see his margin of Victory this year?