Rybak running for another term

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak announced today he is running for a third term.
MPR Photo/Tim Pugmire

R.T. Rybak says he's running for a third term as mayor of Minneapolis in November. Rybak says his re-election campaign will focus on public safety, job creation, neighborhood development and youth issues.

During Rybak's tenure as mayor, Minneapolis has cut spending to deal with cuts in state aid. And Rybak says the state's massive budget shortfall will likely force the city to make even sharper cuts this year, if there are further aid reductions.

Rybak says he knows he'll have to make unpopular decisions during his campaign.

"It's going to be a tough few months. No doubt about it. But I'm not alone," said Rybak. "I think everyone in America right now, whether they're in government or in business, is facing some tough challenges. The difference for me is, I get to be in a job I love in a city I love."

Rybak, a Democrat and supporter of President-elect Barack Obama, says he's not interested in taking a job in Washington DC. But Rybak says he hasn't ruled out a run for governor in 2010.

Last week, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman announced his plans to run for re-election.

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