Hann drops out of Minnesota governor's race

PIONEER PRESS

Associated Press

Updated: 02/16/2010

Republican State Sen. David Hann is dropping out of the race for Minnesota governor and will seek re-election to his current office.

Hann's campaign manager Brad Biers said today that a poor showing on caucus night and other factors led to the decision. Hann doesn't plan to endorse one of his rivals.

Two Republicans are the leading contenders for the party's nomination. They are state Reps. Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert. Democrats have a much more crowded picture. Gov. Tim Pawlenty isn't seeking another term.

Hann is finishing his second term representing the Eden Prairie area. His seat is on the ballot in November.

Hann resigns from state Senate leadership, ponders run for governor

Pioneer Press Politics

By Bill Salisbury
bsalisbury@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 06/09/2009


Sen. David Hann, R-Eden Prairie Sen. David Hann, R-Eden Prairie, today resigned as an assistant Senate minority leader so he can focus on exploring whether to run for governor.

"The (Republican) caucus needs to have leadership in place that has a single-minded interest in working for its success," Hann said in a press release. "I have in the past few days decided to devote a significant amount of time to explore other political opportunities that I believe would distract me from a full-time focus on the needs of the caucus."

Hann, 57, a business consultant and second-term senator, is one of four elected assistant minority leaders. He has been responsible for leading the development of the caucus' policy and issue positions.

He said he has been "talking to lots of people" about running for governor and expects to decide whether to join the race in three or four weeks.