GOP’s Hann drops out of governor race

Sen. David Hann, R-Eden Prairie, announced Tuesday that he’s bowing out of the governor’s race due to low support among activists and will campaign to keep his seat in the Minnesota Senate.

“It just didn’t look very likely that we would be able to make sufficient progress,” Hann said.

Politics in Minnesota points out that Hann could very well have a race on his hands to keep his Senate seat, noting that his Eden Prairie district has been trending toward the DFL in recent years and voted for Obama in 2008.

Hann said he hadn’t made a decision about who he’ll support for the Republican  gubernatorial ticket for governor, and both frontrunners, Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert, offered praise for Hann following his announcement.

Tom Emmer:

Senator Hann raised the level of debate in this race considerably. He articulates the conservative message in a manner that voters can understand better than almost anyone in our party. I am glad he’s running for reelection to the Senate so this voice won’t be lost.

Marty Seifert:

“There has been no stronger voice for our core conservative principles than Senator David Hann.
David’s first-rate intellect and deep understanding of policy issues is unmatched in the legislature. David has been a champion for meaningful education reform in Minnesota – there is no greater expert on education policy. David is proof that Republicans win in swing districts when we stick to our principles.

I have admired David’s courage on the campaign trail in expressing his values – pro-life, pro-family, and faith in God. David understands that the building blocks of a strong community are faith, family, and education – a sentiment I share. I wish David all the best and look forward to working with him in the future.”