Former state Sen. Kelley launches bid for governor
Former DFL state Sen. Steve Kelley of Hopkins formally kicked off his 2010 campaign for governor Monday, saying he's in the best position to get work done for Minnesota.
Kelley highlighted his commitment to public education by making the announcement in a classroom at Mahtomedi High School.
Kelley ran for governor in 2006, but lost the DFL endorsement to Mike Hatch. He later jumped into that year's attorney general race with the party's backing, but he lost in the primary.
For now, Kelley says he hasn't decided whether to abide by the party's endorsement for governor.
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"I've committed to abiding by the endorsement twice. In fact, I'm the only candidate in the race who has been through that experience and actually kept that commitment," Kelley said. "But I'm a little bit more cautious this time about when to make that commitment."
Kelley joins a throng of Democrats in a wide-open 2010 governor's race.
They include state Sens. Tom Bakk and John Marty, former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton, former state Rep. Matt Entenza, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and state Reps. Tom Rukavina and Paul Thissen. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is considering a run.
Dayton has said he will run in the primary, while Entenza hasn't completely ruled it out.
Wearing his trademark bright green tie, Kelley started his speech by calling Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty an "absentee governor." The two-term incumbent won't be on next year's ballot and is seen as a possible 2012 presidential candidate.
Without naming names, Kelley went on to criticize the Republicans running to succeed Pawlenty for focusing on budget cuts.
The GOP field includes former state auditor Pat Anderson; state Sens. David Hann and Mike Jungbauer; state Reps. Tom Emmer, Paul Kohls and Marty Seifert; and former state Rep. Bill Haas.
"I hear other candidates for governor and I think how narrowly and fearfully they see Minnesota's future," Kelley said. "I dare to see a Minnesota rich in opportunity for all Minnesotans, that embraces our diversity and a Minnesota that enlivens the individual and the common good."
The 56-year-old attorney said one of his priorities would be to establish a statewide children's zone, including new spending on early childhood education programs and a sharper focus on college. The zone would be modeled on a similar program in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. He didn't have an estimate for how much such a program would cost in Minnesota.
Kelley served 14 years in the Legislature, including a decade in the Senate, where he focused on education and technology issues such as Internet access. He lives in Hopkins, Minn.
On taxes, Kelley said he would raise state-level taxes to balance the budget. He said he would consider "lots of different options," naming higher income taxes and a carbon tax as possibilities. He said no single tax increase alone would stabilize the state's budget.
On two contentious issues, Kelley said he supports gay marriage and opposes using public money for a new Vikings football stadium.
Kelley pushed stadium bills as a lawmaker.
"Not now," he said.