State Rep. Tom Emmer says he's running for governor

By KEVIN DUCHSCHERE, Star Tribune

July 6, 2009

State Rep. Tom Emmer announced this morning that he is running for governor.

The Delano Republican, one of the House's most outspoken conservatives, said in a statement that Minnesota "can no longer tolerate career politicians with no experience beyond the walls of our Capitol or government bureaucracies."

Emmer, 48, is an attorney who was elected to the House in 2004. He served on city councils in Independence and Delano before becoming a legislator, and is an active volunteer in the Delano area.

Rep. Paul Kohls, R-Victoria, announced his candidacy a couple of weeks ago, and former House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, plans to announce tomorrow that he's formally entering the race.

Several other Republicans have been weighing a run since Gov. Tim Pawlenty said last month that he won't be seeking a third term. One of the possible candidates is former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, who conceded the long-running Senate race to Al Franken last week and said that he may have an announcement soon on his political plans.

Kevin Duchschere • 651-292-0164