Norm Won't Run For Gov

January 17, 2009
State Capitol - Saint Paul, Minnesota
By Marty Owings

Former US Senator Norm Coleman announced tonight on his Facebook page that he will not be entering the race for Governor. Coleman stated on his Facebook announcement that, "I love Minnesota and I love public service, but this is not the right time for me and my family to conduct a campaign for Governor."

Coleman fueled speculation about his future in the Governors race at a press conference in June after the Senate contest against Al Franken was ended in the courts. At his press conference Coleman said he would make an announcement about his political future in the coming weeks or months. There was further speculation about Coleman last week when Pat Anderson announced she was dropping out of the gubernatorial race and would be running for state Auditor. A few pundits thought her announcement came because she had an indication that Coleman would be entering the race. Many in the Minnesota GOP, and especially those currently running, have been concerned about what the race would look like if Coleman did throw his name in the hat as he would almost have certainly been the front runner for the party nomination.

In the Facebook announcement Coleman says the timing to pursue a gubernatorial campaign just wasn't right, "Timing is everything. The timing on this race is both a bit too soon and a bit too late. It is too soon after my last race and too late to do a proper job of seeking the support of delegates who will decide in which direction our party should go." What Coleman doesn't mention is that a good number of those delegates were probably eager to know if he was going to get into the race before committing to a candidate.

Coleman's announcement will no doubt bring a renewed focus on those still in the race and provide a potentially cleaner primary process. While supporters and some in the party will be disappointed with Coleman's announcement, it is likely that more than a few in the GOP leadership and the other Republican candidates are breathing a sigh of relief.

Here is a link to Coleman's complete Facebook announcement:
Coleman_Governor_Announcement

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