Senate leader Hann out of governor race

Published 4:04 pm Saturday, July 6, 2013

ST. PAUL — The Republican leader of the Minnesota Senate is not running for governor next year.

David Hann

David Hann

Sen. David Hann of Eden Prairie said Friday he’s not joining the growing field of Republicans in the 2014 race. Hann said he decided his job as the Senate minority leader deserves full attention.

Hann unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination for governor in 2010 and was seen as a possible contender as Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton seeks reelection next year.

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Republicans already in the race are businessman Scott Honour, Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson, former House Speaker Kurt Zellers and state Sen. Dave Thompson. Several others are still eyeing the race as well.

Hann said he wants to help House Republicans regain a majority in 2014 and work toward a new Senate Republican majority in 2016.