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Newsletter: State Senator Eyeing Race With Kline

Several Democrats are being floated as potential challengers to Rep. John Kline (R) in the 2nd district.

Former state Sen. Sharon Marko (D) is seriously considering a bid, according to the Politics in Minnesota newsletter.

Marko made an 11th-hour try for the Democratic nod last year only to drop it after deciding that eventual nominee Coleen Rowley already had locked up the party’s endorsement.

Rowley did not live up to party officials’ expectations, taking just 40 percent of the vote. Democrats still think the district just south of the Twin Cities has potential.

The 2nd district favored President Bush over Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) 54 percent to 45 percent in 2004.

Other names mentioned include failed 2006 gubernatorial candidate Mike Hatch and Teresa Daly, who lost to Kline in 2004, but neither is very interested, according to the newsletter.

State Attorney General Lori Swanson lives in the 2nd district, but it is unclear if she would undertake a Congressional bid.

The newsletter also said the names of state Rep. Joe Atkins and state Sen. Steve Murphy have been bandied about, though they appear disinclined to run at present.
— Nicole Duran

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