Liebling announces run for governor, says she can connect with rural voters

State Rep. Tina Liebling of Rochester is the fifth Democrat to throw her hat in the ring after Gov. Mark Dayton said he would not run for a third term next year.

Liebling is an attorney, and has served in the Minnesota House since 2005.

Despite heavy DFL losses in greater Minnesota, Liebling said she'll be able to connect with rural voters.

"I don't think we have to be Republicans to get elected in rural Minnesota," said Liebling. "People in rural Minnesota are diverse, too. We shouldn't think and pretend that they're all the same. I think that there's a lot of opportunity there because people want change."

Liebling said she will abide by the DFL endorsement process and discontinue her campaign if she doesn't get the party's backing, and she has yet to decide if she'll seek another term in the legislature.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, State Rep. Erin Murphy, State Auditor Rebecca Otto, and Congressman Tim Walz, are also seeking the DFL nomination.

On the Republican side, only political newcomer Christopher Chamberlin and perennial candidate Ole Savior have announced bids.