Posted 4:36 PM by Daniel
My senior senator has decided against running for re-election in 2006.

Mark Dayton announced he will not seek another term in the United States Senate. Dayton was elected in 2000, beating out incumbent Republican Rod Grams, who was a first term senator, elected in 1994.

Dayton spent approximately $12 million of his own fortune to run in 2000. In his announcement, Dayton said he would absolutely hate all the fundraising he would have to do this time around to run (having depleted most of his fortune in the previous campaign).

The field is now wide open for this seat. The DFL has an opportunity to put some fresh blood on the ballot while the GOP is likely to go with Congressman Kennedy (who represents the district I live in). Rod Grams has expressed interest, but since he lost to Dayton in 2000 I don't know if the party brass would throw their support to him.

I must say, I think 2006 will see Minnesota in the spotlight once again due to this Senate race. It brings such joy to my heart to think that my state is important! :)

This is Dan Gates with Weiner News Service reporting live from the Star of the North. Back to you, Todd.