To the surprise of most political observers, former Republican senator Norm Coleman announced last night he will not run for governor of Minnesota.
"The timing on this race is both a bit too soon and a bit too late," he said in his written statement. "It is too soon after my last race and too late to do a proper job of seeking the support of delegates who will decide in which direction our party should go."
Recent polling found Coleman to be the heavy favorite in the Republican primary, and a candidate had even dropped out recently thinking Coleman was in. Left in the GOP mix are state representatives Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert.
Coleman's exit also lessens the chances of a former U.S. senator becoming governor -- a feat never accomplished in the state. Coleman lost a drawn-out election in Nov. 2008 to Al Franken, who wasn't seated until July 7, 2009.
Current Gov. Tim Pawlenty will not run for re-election. Instead he's expected to seek the 2012 GOP presidential nomination.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/politics_nation/2010/01/coleman_not_running_for_governor.html
