…I want you to know that today we filed the paperwork to create the R.T. Rybak for Governor Committee.
Obviously, this isn’t a surprise. Everybody knew it was coming, and I think Rybak will make a strong candidate. All the same, my very first reaction was that he ought to have at least waited for the ink to dry on the ballots that re-elected him as mayor.
UPDATE: The timing probably has something to do with this.
Rybak’s full announcement is below the break:
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Dear Friend:
As one of my good friends and supporters, I want you to know that today we filed the paperwork to create the R.T. Rybak for Governor Committee.
I’ve been open with people as I’ve considered this important step, so I doubt this will be a surprise. But it is an important step, and I want you to know why I’m taking it.
Over the last two years I’ve travelled across Minnesota to talk and listen about the future of our state. Lots of people are discouraged by our state government’s failure to take action and find solutions to today’s tough challenges. They are looking for leadership focused on more jobs, better schools and affordable health care. They want to build a world-class transportation system and a clean energy economy.
I know that there’s a better way. We’ve shown in Minneapolis that we can make progress, create jobs, and get action to create real change. We’ve strengthened our economy, improved public safety, and streamlined city government. Most importantly, we’ve restored a sense of hope and shown that even in the toughest times we can do great things when we come together.
I know that together we can build a better and more prosperous Minnesota for now and for the future. But I also know that this won’t happen unless we work to make it happen. I am ready to go to work, and I hope you’re ready to join me.
Filing these papers is the first step in the process of setting up the Rybak for Governor campaign. In the weeks ahead, we will be building a grassroots campaign to take our message to every corner of the state. I will be in touch about how you can get more involved, and to ask for your help.
Is it just me or did the RT campaign completely botch this announcement? This is what happens when you are reactive in politics. They didn't seem to have a plan about when to announce, then the CFB ruling forced their hand. Now, before raising a dime, they have to pay what amounts to a $26,500 fine.
Moreover, the sample ballot never arrived in Minneapolis on Tuesday. I don't know whether that was their fault or not. Just sayin, Team Rybak just doesn't seem ready for prime time.
I have decided to stop reading this blog due to your obvious bias toward MAK. I am not an RT supporter, but every article you run about a candidate that isn't MAK has some sort of negative twist to it. I'm only reading MPP from here on out.
Bridget, I haven't the foggiest idea what you're talking about. I legitimately have not made up my mind yet, and personally I don't see the bias. My only post about MAK so far has been fairly critical: http://mnpublius.com/2009/09/im-not-ashamed-of-be...
Ahem… that could be because there seems to be an 'obvious bias' towards Entenza at MPP is there?
RT wasn't fined. He should have been though! His behavior has been both unethical and illegal.
Bridget, you link to the Matt Entenza website, do you have a bias you'd like to disclose? Excuse me, kettle, are you callin' me black? Are you going to go over to MPP and continue to propagate to the Big Lie? The main author over there is just as in the bag as you are accusing these white boys to be.
Bridget is right on bias. Mark Dayton scores a huge surprise endorsement with the AFSCME nod and they wait two days and bury in a story about Phyllis Kahn. Now in defense of the boys, they are rather new to DFL politics (regardless of Party positions held) and are kind of caught up in the Minneapolis centered bubble. Their perspective is reflected on this blog. That's just the way it is.
And lastly, Entenza is a challenging character to warm up to. Many DFLers who don't like him do so because of something they see or have experienced with him. It has little to do with bias or love toward another candidate. He's earned it on his own and will have to figure out how to alter that perception. You have tough, tough job in front of you Bridget. However, it doesn't negate your point that this blog is in the box for Margaret.