Candidates for governor aim for face time at DFL meeting
Minnesota DFLers meeting Saturday in Hinckley to decide the party's leadership will also be getting an early taste of the race for governor.
Some of the announced candidates for the party's 2018 nomination will be on hand for the DFL State Central Committee meeting as will as backers of possible hopefuls. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, state Representative Erin Murphy and state Auditor Rebecca Otto are the three declared candidates due to be there.
Murphy, a former House majority leader from St. Paul, said she's looking forward to checking in with Democrats likely to help decide the state party's endorsement next year. Murphy has staked her campaign at winning that endorsement, ruling out a run in the summer primary without it.
"Democrats and more importantly Minnesotans want someone who is direct with them and someone who has got some ambition," she said. "And I have a lot of ambition for the state of Minnesota and for our future. It's the reason why I got into the race right after the election."
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The field is sure to grow, given that incumbent DFL Gov. Mark Dayton isn't running again. Republicans are also bracing for a crowded race to determine their candidate.
Coleman, who isn't seeking a new term as mayor in 2017, said there are advantages to declaring early for governor.
"At this state of the process it's about one-on-one meetings. It's about people having the chance to look you eye-to-eye, kicking you in the shins or the tires as the case may be, and really get a moment," he said. "The nice thing about getting in on the process early is getting to know people who hadn't known you."
Backers of potential candidates will also be at the meeting, including a draft movement for 8th District Congressman Rick Nolan. A similar draft effort has begun for 1st District Rep. Tim Walz, who has said he is giving the race serious consideration.
The day's main business is to elect a DFL chairman for the upcoming cycle and other party officials.