Almanac: At the Capitol

On the eve of the State DFL Convention, Sen. Tom Bakk has the news we've been expecting (and talked to him about in February):

Senator Tom Bakk announces the formation of Exploratory Committee for 2010 Governors race.

Minnesota State Senator Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook) announced last week the formation of an exploratory committee for the 2010 race for Governor. Senator Bakk currently serves as the Chairman of the powerful Senate Tax Committee. He was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1994 and served until his election to the Minnesota State Senate in 2002. He is known as a moderate, experienced legislator who works across the aisle to get things accomplished. Senator Bakk was seen as a driving force to completing the 2008 budget negotiations with the current administration. He was praised for his hard work, and tough negotiating skills by colleagues involved in the talks.

Senator Bakk said: "I'm ready to bring tested leadership and vision back into the office of the Governor. The lack of leadership of the current administration has lead to the decline of Minnesota values, and a decline in the quality of life of our hardworking citizens. We must begin the process of restoring a more prosperous future, one that includes everyone, not just those at the top. That future begins with a campaign of optimism and a leader with vision."

Senator Bakk goes on to say how excited he is to begin connecting with voters statewide. He will work to secure the DFL endorsement if he enters the race. "Democrats are looking for someone who can win, and someone who can accomplish the changes that all Minnesotans value; I can do both," said Bakk.

Senator Bakk graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a degree in business administration. He went on to work as a journeyman carpenter for 11 years, and in 1987 was elected to lead his union – a position he still holds today. He currently sits on the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) Board of Directors and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). He has been appointed to the Midwestern Legislative Conference: Economic Development, Technology and Labor Committee, and the National Conference on State Legislators: standing committee on budget and revenue. He is a member of the Minnesota Workers Compensation Advisory Council and was recently appointed by Governor Pawlenty to sit on the state's Workforce Development Council. Tom served as the past President of the Iron Range Building Trades. He has also worked as a volunteer firefighter.

Tom Bakk is married to Laura, and they have four adult children. They reside on Lake Vermilion, near the town of Cook. Senator Bakk is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and numerous other outdoor activities.

Senator Bakk expects to make an official announcement of his intentions by the end of 2008. He will now work hard to reach out to possible delegates and raise the necessary funds to mount a strong campaign. He will fulfill his full Senate term. For more information please go to www.tombakk.com.