who does the GOP have for this seat? and will Jesse Ventura should he run, win or will this help GOP?
Rep Mark Kennedy was planning on a run even before Dayton announced his retirement.
Rep Gil Gutknecht was looking at a run too.
Last week, former Sen Rod Grams mentioned that he was looking at it.
On the Republican side, Congressman Mark Kennedy was already an near-official candidate. Congressman Gil Gutkchect and Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer are also considering candidacies. I am particularly intrigued by Kiffmeyer, a two-time statewide officeholder, former nurse, and pro-life Catholic woman.
Among the 'Rats, state Supreme Court Justice Alan Page would be particularly formidible. Congressman Colin Peterson, a pro-life moderate, would be well-positioned in the general election, but it's not clear he could win a primary.
Its an either or type thing.
He does draw alot of tradionaly young voters, so he does hurt the dems, but he also talks (and claims to be) libertarian with his talk of shrinking government, and pro-gun rights, and tax cuts.
It would all depend on what type of campaign he runs. In his book, he noted that the republican in his governors race, agreed with him on all economic issues.
Either way, he's not going to run, he made his money, and he's happy with it. Washington DC is not a place he would like.