Sviggum may run for top post

Steve Sviggum, a Kenyon Republican who represented southeastern Minnesota in the House of Representatives for more than 25 years, is contemplating a run for the governor's office.

"I do have an interest," Sviggum said when asked if he might be among candidates to succeed Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who announced Tuesday that he will not seek a third term.

Sviggum, former Speaker of the House, currently serves in Pawlenty's cabinet as commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry.

"I was surprised and personally disappointed" that Pawlenty has decided not to seek re-election, Sviggum said. He said he anticipates a crowded field of Republicans as well as Democrats will enter the race.

Sviggum and his family and supporters have begun talking about the possibility of a run for the office.

For a complete report on his interview with the Republican Eagle and Sviggum's timeline for making a decision, pick up a copy of Thursday's Republican Eagle.

Tags: minnesota politics, steve sviggum, gubernatorial candidate, governor tim pawlenty, news, legislature, kenyon, republican