One drops out

MPR's Tim Pugmire tells me this:

The field of DFL attorney general candidates is down to four.

St. Paul lawyer Patrick Cotter Thursday withdrew his name as a candidate. Cotter had never run for political office. But he says he had a strong desire and the ability to serve. Cotter was the first DFL candidate to step forward Tuesday after the DFL endorsed candidate Matt Entenza quit the race. Three better known candidates entered the race later in the day. Cotter says he'll support whoever the DFL endorses.

"In a race like this where there's such a short period of time, and we need to have a strong showing from the DFL party, I think that we need to support the candidate who has the best name recognition and the best credentials going forward to the general election," he said.

The remaining DFL candidates for attorney general are state Senator Steve Kelley, former congressman Bill Luther, attorney Jennifer Mattson and state Solicitor General Lori Swanson.

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