Rybak files for governor

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has filed paperwork with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board notifying them of his intent to run for governor.

The filing is not a surprise, since Rybak has appeared at a number of events with other candidates for governor. He also didn't shy away from his interest in the job. Rybak was elected to a third term as Mayor of Minneapolis on Tuesday night. He is the tenth DFLer to enter the race for governor. Rybak's paperwork says Charlie Zelle, who owns Jefferson Bus Lines, is Rybak's campaign chair.

Here's an email Rybak sent supporters:

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

As one of my good friends and supporters, I want you to know that today we filed the paperwork to create the R.T. Rybak for Governor Committee.

I've been open with people as I've considered this important step, so I doubt this will be a surprise. But it is an important step, and I want you to know why I'm taking it.

Over the last two years I've travelled across Minnesota to talk and listen about the future of our state. Lots of people are discouraged by our state government's failure to take action and find solutions to today's tough challenges. They are looking for leadership focused on more jobs, better schools and affordable health care. They want to build a world-class transportation system and a clean energy economy.

I know that there's a better way. We've shown in Minneapolis that we can make progress, create jobs, and get action to create real change. We've strengthened our economy, improved public safety, and streamlined city government. Most importantly, we've restored a sense of hope and shown that even in the toughest times we can do great things when we come together.

I know that together we can build a better and more prosperous Minnesota for now and for the future. But I also know that this won't happen unless we work to make it happen. I am ready to go to work, and I hope you're ready to join me.

Filing these papers is the first step in the process of setting up the Rybak for Governor campaign. In the weeks ahead, we will be building a grassroots campaign to take our message to every corner of the state. I will be in touch about how you can get more involved, and to ask for your help.

Rybak jumped into the race on the same day that the Campaign Finance Board met privately to discuss a complaint against him. Deputy state Republican Party Chair Michael Brodkorb says the Campaign Finance Board told the party that it would meet to discuss the GOP complaint. Republicans allege that Rybak violated campaign finance laws by not formally declaring his candidacy earlier. They say he wanted to avoid the appearance of running for governor while he was campaigning for re-election as mayor.

Update: Julie Hottinger, a spokeswoman for Rybak's campaign, said this about the timing of the filing:

"The timing of filing the Governor's committee with the Campaign Finance hearing was purely a coincidence, and we're confident that the Mayor's Campaign has followed the rules."