Governor's race ramping up

by Tom Scheck, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Even though the 2008 U.S. Senate race hasn't been resolved yet, the 2010 race for governor is already ramping up.

Several DFL candidates for governor attended a forum Thursday night that focused on the environment, just a week after Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced he was not seeking a third term. And one of the better known Republicans considering a run has decided against it.

The Minnesota Environmental Partnership invited 17 possible candidates from both the DFL and Republican parties to attend the forum. Only six - all Democrats - participated.

The candidates were also asked about their plans to reduce toxic chemicals. Some said better labeling would help. State Senator John Marty of Roseville said manufacturers should have to prove that products are safe before they put them on the market.

"With foods and drugs, you're not allowed to sell them until there's some pretty clear evidence that they're safe," he said. "With chemicals, you're allowed to use them until it's proven, almost beyond a reasonable doubt, that they're dangerous."

Marty also said he would not take any contributions from PACS or lobbyists. None of the other candidates made a firm commitment on whether they would take money from energy, car dealers and chemical company PACS.

Full Story at: MPR