Jeff Johnson Announces He's Running for MN Governor

The guessing game is over: Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson is running for governor, the Republican announced Sunday.

KSTP reported on his announcement:

Johnson, who is also a former three-term state representative will focus on three issues if elected: jobs, education and making government work.

“Minnesota is the greatest place to live in America,” Johnson said. “But under the people in charge of our state government right now, we are heading in the wrong direction. If we do not correct our course—soon—I am afraid that the greatness of Minnesota is in serious jeopardy. I am running for governor because I want to leave our state an even better place to live for our kids—and their kids—than our parents left for all of us.”

The Associated Press delved into his strategy:

The Hennepin County commissioner is hoping to frame himself as the GOP candidate conservative enough for convention delegates but without the hard-right reputation that could scare off general election voters. He said his party has had difficulty shaking its image as being out to protect the rich, and that his candidacy would help it do that.

"We can't win a statewide race with only Republican votes. The numbers just aren't there in Minnesota," Johnson said. "But we also need to recognize we can't win a statewide race without a very excited and energized Republican base."

Johnson, a Plymouth resident, also served three terms in the Minnesota House and lost a statewide race for attorney general in 2006.

He is also a member of the Republican National Committee.

He represents Plymouth, Maple Grove, Lake Minnetonka cities and other parts of northwestern Hennepin County on the county commission.

He joins Scott Honour, another Republican who has announced he's running for governor in 2014—presumably against DFL incumbent Mark Dayton.