Kelliher files paperwork to run for governor
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher filed paperwork today to run for governor in 2010.
She also launched a new web site announcing her campaign.
Kelliher had acknowledged for months that she was interested in joining the race. The Minneapolis DFLer also hired a campaign manager earlier this summer.
By filing the formal paperwork with the state Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, Kelliher joins 10 other Democrats who've made the same commitment to start raising money. Nine Republicans have filed, and the field in both parties is expected to grow.
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Kelliher, who grew up on a farm near Mankato, has served six terms in the Minnesota House, including two and a half years as speaker.
Kelliher was in International Falls today, where we reached her by phone:
Here's her web site message:
Over the past few months I have traveled the state talking to Minnesotans just like you. Today, with the support of my family, friends and people across the state, I took the first step to become our next governor by filing the necessary paperwork to run.
Growing up on a southern Minnesota dairy farm, I learned at a young age there is always more work to be done. The same could be said for our state right now. Our economy has been battered by the global recession and many families are worried about job losses, wage cuts and the ever-rising cost of health care.
Minnesota's next governor faces tough challenges. We need a leader who understands the task in front of us, and who knows it will take more than one person to rebuild our state. That's the experience, and the commitment, I will bring as Minnesota's governor. It took more than one person to finally break through and improve the safety and quality of Minnesota's bridges and roads. I built a coalition of people who did not always see eye-to-eye, but were ready to find common ground and work together. It took more than one person to pass Minnesota's nation-leading renewable energy standard. Together, we made Minnesota a leader in the green economy.
Now as we look ahead, the challenges are real, but our path forward is clear. As Minnesota's next governor and with your support, we will make Minnesota a world economic leader, build a healthier, more productive workforce and provide every child from pre-kindergarten through college the opportunity for a great education.
In a few weeks, I will formally announce my candidacy. It will take more than one person to win the DFL endorsement and this election. It will take a coalition of people who believe in Minnesota and our ability to succeed. I'm asking you to take the next step in making me our next governor.
UPDATE
Minnesota Republicans were quick to criticize Kelliher and her candidacy. State GOP Chairman Tony Sutton issued this statement:
"Democrats have put forth yet another big city liberal. The rest of Minnesota cannot afford Margaret Anderson Kelliher's 'leadership.' Whether she's hiking gas taxes, the metro wide sales tax or income taxes, Kelliher is a dependable pro tax vote. Given her failed leadership as speaker and complete inability to pass a credible budget bill, Kelliher is the last Minnesotan who deserves a promotion."