| In the past I've been a skeptic about rumors that Congressman Tim Walz would consider running for Governor in 2010. Having won his seat in Congress in 2006 and winning reelection by a wide margin in 2008, it seemed that Walz would probably want to stay put.
And while that may eventually be the case, Walz is definitely considering a run for the corner office in St. Paul. A source close to Walz indicated Friday that "A number of individuals who the Congressman trusts and respects have recently urged him to consider running for Governor in 2010. Congressman Walz values their input and is taking it into consideration."
 Granted, Walz's answer to a similar question recently was closer to a non-denial-denial, in which he said he was focused on getting reelected...an odd answer, since he already had been reelected a week prior. We'll be waiting with bated breath for Ollie's interview with Walz coming this weekend.
Walz's entry into the race would likely keep some marginal candidates from throwing their hats in the ring. Although his financial support in 2006 came largely from supporters in the Twin Cities, who may have conflicts with other candidates in the race, Walz's support network has expanded far beyond the locals in his first term in Congress, and could potentially draw on a much wider fundraising list in a gubernatorial bid.
On the pro side, Walz would bring together both the rural and urban wings of the DFL (a much more important consideration than liberal/conservative in Minnesota, IMHO) and would likely not have to worry about the annual quandary of whether to focus on one region or the other in the campaign.
On the con side, although the DFL's bench in southern Minnesota has expanded dramatically in recent elections, Walz's First district seat would be up for grabs, and he would still face a crowded field in the DFL endorsement and primary races.
Either way, it's no longer idle speculation on whether Walz will at least consider the race. |
