Tim Walz update

Tim Walz has segued in the last two years from laid-back school teacher to frenetic campaigner and now equally frenetic congressman-elect. It’s quite a transition. Though official announcements will be forthcoming, here’s what’s happening on the QT:

more insideA congressional office location has been found for Mankato; another is being planned for Rochester and possibly a third in Worthington.

He has selected a chief of staff, but the official announcement won’t come for a few days. Hint: It’s someone familiar to the district and from my point-of-view a terrific choice. The future congressman has received over 3,500 resumes for various positions!

Already there have been mentions of possible GOP contenders for ’08, including State Senator Dick Day of Owatonna, Rochester Chamber of Commerce President John Wade, and State Senator Julie Rosen of Fairmont.

As for Gil Gutknecht attempting to gain back his seat, odds are it is highly unlikely. First of all, in his heart he believes in the 12-year limit he signed onto when he first ran in ’94. That’s why he wanted to run for Senate in ’06. But the powers-that-be in Washington put the kibosh on his plans, opting instead for Mark Kennedy