Rep. Tom Emmer today (Monday, July 6) announced that he is running for governor.

Emmer, 48, a third-term Republican from Delano, joins a fistful of area Republicans hoping to replace Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, entered the Republican gubernatorial fray today (July 6) with the announcement that he is running for governor. In his third-term in the House, Emmer, an attorney, is often center stage in House floor debates and argues that someone from the outside — Emmer draws a distinction between himself and longer serving lawmakers — is needed in the Governor's Office to pursue state government reforms. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter

Rep. Tom Emmer today (Monday, July 6) announced that he is running for governor.

Emmer, 48, a third-term Republican from Delano, joins a fistful of area Republicans hoping to replace Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

"Minnesota needs somebody who was not born and raised within the four walls of government,” said Emmer, portraying himself as outsider.

"I think a new perspective is necessary,” he said.

Emmer argues the status quo debate — Democrats wanting to raise taxes, Republican refusing — masks the larger issue of resetting the priorities of state government. "Somewhere in there you have to reform government,” said Emmer.

Still, Emmer indicated that one feature of his campaign — unlike in Pawlenty's first run for governor —  will not be a signing of a No New Taxes pledge.

Doesn't sign pledges

"I don't sign pledges,” said Emmer. "I tell people what I'm going to do and then do it,” he said.

Emmer finds the current growth of state government unacceptable.

"It sucks the air out of the private sector,” he said.

Emmer believes he can run a statewide political campaign. As an attorney and youth hockey coach, he has already extensively travelled Minnesota and neighboring states, he said. "I think I've been doing a statewide campaign my entire adult life,” said Emmer.

As for abiding by the Republican Party endorsement, Emmer indicated that if he felt the process had been fair, he could abide by the endorsement.

But he added it was too early for him to make that decision.

Emmer attended the University of Alaska, where he played college hockey, later earning a legal degree at William Mitchell College of Law.

Emmer served in local government before running for the House in 2004.

Served in leadership

He has served in leadership in the House Republican Caucus.

He and wife Jacquie have seven children.

Emmer is joining a crowded Republican field.

Former House minority leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, is expected to formally announce his candidacy for governor tomorrow (Tuesday, July 7) at an announcement in Fridley and at other locations.

Former state auditor Pat Anderson of Dellwood, Sen. Mike Jungbauer of East Bethel, former lawmaker and Pawlenty chief of staff Charlie Weaver of Anoka, former state representative Bill Haas of Champlin, and former secretary of state Mary Kiffmeyer of Big Lake have announced their intentions of running for governor or at least are thinking about it.

Other House Republicans who've either formally announced or are considered a run include Rep. Paul Kohls, of Victoria, and Rep. Laura Brod, of New Prague.

Former U.S. senator Rod Grams has also indicated that he thinking about a possible bid for governor.

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