Rosen may look at higher office
Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, says she's happy in her new digs in the State Office Building, but that she "isn't saying no" to a potential run for U.S. Senate or against Gov. Mark Dayton in 2014.
"I'm kind of a free agent right now," she said, in response to an inquiry about her future plans. She's been mentioned as a potential contender for both Senate and for the governor's office, in part because of her strong showing in the November elections. She had the strongest re-election result in the Senate Republican caucus last month. She was first elected in 2002, and won't be on the ballot again her Senate district until 2016.
Republicans say her wealth and her rural roots would work in her favor. She also gained a statewide profile as the chief author of the Vikings stadium bill in the Senate. (That's her above, being congratulated by Vikings fans when the measure finally passed in May.)
"I'm not saying yes, I'm not saying no," Rosen said. But she also added that she'd think harder about a gubernatorial run than taking on first term DFLer Al Franken in 2014.
If she decides on a run, she'll join Hennepin County commissioner Jeff Johnson as a potential contender.
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