First District Congressman and candidate for governor Tim Walz says Senator Al Franken made the right decision to step down. Walz says the pattern of Franken’s behavior is unacceptable “and his ability… to effectively serve Minnesotans has been irreparably compromised.”
A line has already started forming with those interested in running for Franken’s seat in 2018. Republican Christopher Chamberlin from Saint Cloud says he’ll switch his run for governor to a U-S Senate bid. Republican state Senator Karin Housley from Saint Mary’s Point is reportedly “seriously considering” jumping into the race. Other G-O-P names being tossed around include House Speaker Kurt Daudt (DOWT), former Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, and Congressmen Tom Emmer and Erik Paulsen. The National Republican Senatorial Committee says they’re confident Republicans will be able to win Franken’s soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat.