|
|
"A comprehensive, collaborative elections resource."
|
Scramble unfolds in race for governor
|
|---|
| Parent(s) |
Race
|
| Contributor | Eric |
| Last Edited | Eric Oct 21, 2005 03:22pm |
| Logged |
0
|
| Category | News |
| Media | Newspaper - Star Tribune, The (Minneapolis - St. Paul) |
| News Date | Wednesday, October 19, 2005 09:00:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | Until recently the conventional wisdom surrounding the 2006 gubernatorial election was simple and uncomplicated.
Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty, popular, smart and personable, even mentioned occasionally as a 2008 presidential candidate, would be hard to beat. Attorney General Mike Hatch, tenacious consumer champion and one of the biggest vote-getters in state history, would be the only DFLer with the horsepower to challenge Pawlenty, and the party's nomination would be his for the asking.
But now - as Hatch prepares to reveal on Monday the worst-kept secret in Minnesota politics, that he is indeed taking Pawlenty on - the picture has changed considerably. Things don't look so rosy for either Pawlenty or Hatch.
Incumbent Republicans everywhere look more vulnerable as President Bush's approval ratings have plummeted precipitously and economic warning lights flicker.
Lesser-known DFLers see this, and instead of getting a coronation ride, Hatch now may face at least four viable contenders for the party endorsement or the primary election.
They include: state Sens. Steve Kelley and Becky Lourey; real estate developer Kelly Doran, and former state Rep. Bud Philbrook. Also running is frequent candidate Ole Savior.
"I think Bush's troubles translate directly into trouble for Republicans, especially in the bluer [more Democratic] states," said Bill Morris, a Minnesota pollster and consultant, and a former Republican Party chairman.
Pawlenty's unfavorable rating percentage has climbed to almost even with his favorable percentage in Morris' recent polling, he said, adding that "History suggests that people do base their state election voting on what's going on in the country as well as the state." |
| Share |
|
|
2¢
|
|
| Article | Read Full Article |
|
| Date |
Category |
Headline |
Article |
Contributor |
|
|
