U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison endorsed fellow Democrat and longtime friend Matt Entenza for Minnesota governor on Monday.
In a letter released by the campaign, Ellison wrote, "Matt will be the strong partner we need to make our work in Congress bear fruit back home in Minnesota. With Matt's help, we can pass health care for all and develop the clean energy economy."
The endorsement was not surprising, given the fact that the second-term congressman and the gubernatorial candidate have been friends since their days as law students at the University of Minnesota. Ellison and Entenza also served in the state legislature together earlier this decade -- and both hold strong progressive policy stances.
Entenza will need all the help he can get to snag the nomination in a crowded Democratic primary. He announced his bid April 23, joining a batch of likely or announced candidates that includes state Sen. John Marty, former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton, state Sen. Tom Bakk, state Rep. Paul Thissen, former state Sen. Steve Kelley, Ramsey County Attorney General Susan Gaertner and perennial candidate Ole Savior.
The popular Democratic mayors of Minnesota's Twin Cities -- R.T. Rybak of Minneapolis and Christopher B. Coleman of St. Paul - would be considered favorites in a primary should either of them enter the race. But both face re-election campaigns in 2009 and are unlikely to decide on the governor's contest until late in the year.
On the Republican side, the party awaits a decision from Gov. Tim Pawlenty on whether or not he will run for a third term.
![[RSS]](http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/templates/images/rss_icon.gif){kind=icon}
![[ARCHIVES]](http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/templates/images/archives_icon.png){kind=icon}
Post A Comment