Wait a minute, did he run again in 2001? I was under the impression that he didn't, and ran for Senate in 2002 instead.
Dammit, you're right. I got my dates screwed up.
Coleman switched parties in '96 and ran for re-election in '97.
He chose not to run for re-election in 2001.
Thank you for bringing that to my attention!
Colman first ran for mayor of St Paul as a democrat, he then switched parties and was relected as a republican. During his second term he ran for governor and lost to the baldheaded geek. in 02 he was going to run again for governor and Tim Pawlenty was going to run againsy Wellstone, but the WH had other plans so now we have Clman in the senate and Pawlenty as governor.
Aside: Pawlenty is someone to keep your eye on for 08, as veep, or maybe even president.