The DFL Endorses History

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At their state convention in Duluth, Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor party nominated legislator Margaret Anderson Kelliher as its choice to run for Governor.  She won the endorsement after her closest rival, Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak, conceded following six ballots.

So what's the big deal?  Several states have or have had women governors, most notably Sarah Palin of Alaska, Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and Janet Napolitano of Arizona (who's currently President Obama's Homeland Security secretary).  Kelliher is trying to become the first for Minnesota.

The DFL has not had anyone in the governor's chair since Rudy Perpich, and that was two decades ago.  Since then, their candidates have lost to (A) a maverick Republican who was brought in at the last minute after the previous candidate had to drop out due to a sex scandal, (B) a former pro wrestler who ran as an independent, and (C) a GOP state legislator who ran on a "no new taxes" pledge, and has largely stuck to it.

In the race to replace outgoing Governor Tim Pawlenty, however, the DFL and Kelliher have some land mines to avoid.  The mood of the country is colored by consevatives who are whipping up fear and anger over an ineffective Congress controlled by Democrats, plus President Obama's alleged "socialist" tendencies.  On the state level, the Legislature (of which Kelliher is House Speaker) and the Governor have been at odds over how to trim the massive budget deficit without hurting the many people who need those programs in danger of being cut.

Also, there's some question as to whether an endorsement means anything any more.  Kelliher will face three opponents in the August DFL primary who did not seek the party's blessing.  Two of them are spending their own personal fortunes on their campaigns:  Former U.S. Senator Mark Dayton and former legislator Matt Entenza.  The other one is Ramsey County attorney Susan Gaertner.

After that, whoever comes out of the primary will face the Republican nominee in November.  That party will hold its convention next weekend, with Marty Seifert and Tom Emmer the main contenders.

Most of all, the DFL believes they have found the person they needed to carry them to victory, as well as to make a little history for themselves.  Now all they have to do is to wait and see if voters agree.