Molnau endorses Emmer's candidacy for Minnesota governor

Pioneer Press

01/25/2010

Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau on Monday endorsed state Rep. Tom Emmer for governor, saying he's a strong leader who knows that "less government is better than more."

"If I didn't think there was a strong candidate in this race, I'd be there," Molnau said at a Capitol news conference.

Emmer, one of seven candidates seeking the Republican nomination for governor, said Molnau's endorsement shows his campaign is gaining momentum. He said he would seek her advice since she has been part of two successful statewide campaigns.

Molnau said she had not discussed her endorsement of Emmer with Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who has said he plans to remain neutral in the race to succeed him.

She and Pawlenty are the only statewide elected Republican office holders in Minnesota.

Meanwhile, Rep. Marty Seifert announced that Republican National Committeewoman Evie Axdahl, of Maplewood, has joined his gubernatorial campaign's leadership team.

— Bill Salisbury