A nose like this?
Posted on 02/11/2005 10:12:58 AM PST by LdSentinal
WATERTOWN — In a city park in his hometown, U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy today declared he is officially in the race for U.S. Senate in 2006.
"I'm here to announce my candidacy for the United States Senate…I know the great things that can happen if we trust the people and make sure government helps rather than hinders them as they pursue their dreams,'' Kennedy said, making it official one of the worst-kept secrets in Minnesota politics.
Voicing many of the same messages he has in his three congressional races, Kennedy said, "I'm the kind of guy who was taught that you only say something if you mean it.''
With references to his family, his faith and the American dream, Kennedy became the first Republican to enter the wide-open race to represent the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton, the first-term Democrat who announced Wednesday he would not seek re-election.
While Kennedy was the first candidate to make his entry official, U.S. Rep. Gil Gutknecht and former U.S. Rod Grams have also said they are considering a bid for the Republican endorsement in the Senate race.
Two prominent Republicans, Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer and businessman Brian Sullivan, have told Kennedy they would not compete with him for the party's endorsement, a Kennedy staff member said Friday.
Several high-profile Democrats have also said they may run including Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar and attorney Mike Ceresi.
Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party chairman Mike Erlandson quickly issued a statement this morning criticizing Kennedy.
"In past campaigns Kennedy has show that he will do whatever it takes to win and will act however the White House directs him, voting with the president over 97 percent of the time,'' Erlandson said. "Minnesotans want independence and integrity in their elected leaders, not just someone who blindly follows his political bosses.''
Kennedy's entry into the Senate race leaves a void in the Sixth Congressional District that many Republicans are expected to fill. His DFL opponent in his last race, missing children's advocate Patty Wetterling, is considering another bid.
Could MN possibly have two GOP Senators come 2007??
Dayton beat Grams in 2000. I can't think of a better disqualification for Grams.
WooHoo
This Texan was thinking Congressman Kennedy would make a great Senator for the state of Minnesota after meeting him last year. I had no idea it was actually on his mind though.
Well they did from 1979 till 1991.
Did Bush win MN in 2004?
Kerry won by a nose.
And Gil Gutknecht is just too weird of a name.
YES
I also dont like how he started his career as an unashamed conservative but somehow has moderated his tone over the past few years.
Either you are what you are or you aint.
A lot of people in MN have "unusual" names, mostly because of the Scandanavian settlers.
Florida will also have 2 Republican senators in 2007, hopefully.
ping
Since Grams already lost, who is the stronger candidate state wide?
Kennedy or Gil Gutknecht.
A nose like this?
Jeb??
Some say the nose was fake....as in fraudulant.
Ask someone who lives in MN.
That is nothing short of hideous.
Just a typical Kerry supporter.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.