R.T. Rybak files paperwork for gubernatorial run

Mayor R.T. Rybak
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak greeted supporters at a party at the Graves 601 Hotel Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has filed paperwork with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board notifying them of his intent to run for governor.

The filing is not a surprise, since Rybak has appeared at a number of events with other candidates for governor. He also didn't shy away from his interest in the job. Rybak was elected to a third term as Mayor of Minneapolis on Tuesday night. He is the tenth DFLer to enter the race for governor.

Rybak jumped into the race on the same day that the Campaign Finance Board met privately to discuss a complaint against him. Deputy state Republican Party Chair Michael Brodkorb says the Campaign Finance Board told the party that it would meet to discuss the GOP complaint.

Republicans allege that Rybak violated campaign finance laws by not formally declaring his candidacy earlier. They say he wanted to avoid the appearance of running for governor while he was campaigning for re-election as mayor.

Rybak campaign spokeswoman Julie Hottinger said the timing of the filing and the hearing were "purely a coincidence." She said she's confident Rybak's campaign followed the rules.

The Campaign Finance Board may issue findings as early as Friday.

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