Rep. John Kline Says No To Senate, Governor Runs

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Rep. John Kline, the dean of Minnesota’s GOP delegation in Congress, on Friday ruled out a bid for the U.S. Senate or governor next year, saying he wanted to make his intentions clear so other possible candidates will step forward.

Announcing he would seek a seventh term in his southeastern Minnesota district, Kline told reporters that Republicans weighing a statewide run need to announce their decisions soon, especially challengers to freshman Democratic Sen. Al Franken.

“It’s time for them to start to get serious and raise money. That will be a very expensive Senate race,” he said. “Al has shown he can raise money. He’s got money and he can raise money. Whoever our candidate is, they need to be able to do that as well.”