Coleman not running….

Former GOP Sen. Norm Coleman announced that he will not run for governor. He released this statement on his Facebook page:

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.

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. The commitments I have to my family and the work I am currently engaged in do not allow me to now go forward.

At the moment, I am tremendously energized by the work I am currently involved in to create a positive, center right agenda for this country. Anger on the left and anger on the right will get us nowhere. In Minnesota, we face a jobs deficit, a budget deficit and a bipartisanship deficit. We must all put aside the bitterness and sniping and remember that behind every job loss and every home foreclosure is a Minnesota family losing hope and confidence.

I think I can be part of recreating a more civil and respectful politics, a politics that better expresses the will of the vast majority of people. I will continue my efforts to work with Republicans, Independents and moderate, common sense Democrats across the country to advance the values of fiscal responsibility, entrepreneurship, effective government change, national security and respect for life. That's where America is philosophically and we need well-thought-out policies that express it.

My thanks to the many folks who encouraged me to run, but I've learned there are lots of ways to serve without an official position. Dr. King said everyone can be great because everyone can serve. We all need to seek out how our service can do the most good, and at this moment in my life, I've found mine.

Thanks. God bless you.

GOP Rep. Marty Seifert, who is running, released this statement after Coleman made his announcement:

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"Norm Coleman has served the people of Minnesota with great distinction for over three decades. Our state is stronger because of Norm's selfless dedication to public service. It is clear that Norm will continue to make great contributions to Minnesota and the country with his new endeavor. I look forward to working with Norm on addressing the challenges facing our great state.

I wish Norm, Laurie, and his children all the best in the future."

Update; Here's a statement from GOP Rep. Tom Emmer of Delano (who is running):

As I reflect on Norm Coleman's decision today, I am reminded of Teddy Roosevelt's famous Man in the Arena speech - a speech often quoted by Senator Coleman. As Mayor of Saint Paul, U.S. Senator and leader of our party, Norm Coleman has been that man in the arena on behalf of Minnesota.

As Roosevelt said:

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena ... who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly."

Norm Coleman was an effective member of the U.S. Senate during a very difficult period in our nation and he has earned our respect and gratitude. I look forward to working with Norm "in the arena" in the future and I pledge to meet his challenge today to work for a more civil and respectful political environment.