From the Channel 5 ABC Eyewittness News:
ST. PAUL - Sen. Mark Dayton has announced that he will not seek re-election.
"I'm announcing today that I will not seek re-election to the Senate next year," the one-term senator announced during an afternoon conference call. "God willing, I will complete my term to the very best of my ability."
Dayton said it has been a "tremendous honor" to serve the people of Minnesota for the past four years. However, he said he did not believe he was the best candidate to keep the seat in the hands of the Democrats.
"Everything I've worked for and everything I believe in depends upon this Senate seat remaining in the Democratic caucus in 2007. I do not believe that I am the best candidate to lead the DFL party to victory next year."
Fundraising was also a factor in the decision.
"I cannot stand to do the constant fundraising necessary to wage a successful campaign," Dayton said. "And I cannot be an effective senator while also being a nearly full-time candidate. Plus, I choose to devote all of my time and energy to the job Minnesotans elected me to do."
In 2000, Sen. Dayton contributed nearly $12 million dollars of his own money to his campaign.
Last month, the Associated Press reported Dayton raised $1.35 million last year, topping his goal of $1 million. However, he finished the year with only $177,000 in the bank.
Also during his announcement, Dayton said that he has withdrawn his support for the re-election campaign of St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly, a Democrat who endorsed President Bush in last year's election.
Dayton had been seen as vulnerable in a run for a second term. Late last month, a Star Tribune Minnesota Poll found Dayton's approval rating had fallen to 43 percent.
Dayton's departure from the race presents a major opportunity for Republicans in a state that has become increasingly more friendly to GOP politicians. Among those considering bids were Congressmen Gil Gutknecht and Mark Kennedy, as well as former Senator Rod Grams, who lost to Dayton in 2000.
I'm actually mixed on the announcement myself. Dayton represented a chance for an easy Republican pickup due to his strange behavior the last few months. He was possibly the most vulnerable Senator out there. In fact, I'm not sure if he wouldn't have been easier to beat than whomever the Democrats decide to run. That being said it is never a bad thing to run for an open seat rather than against an incumbent. Especially if somebody like Representative Kennedy who already has name recognition gets the Republican nomination. It looks like the next election cycle will be very interesting for those of us in the Midwest.
UPDATE:
Powerline has more here.
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