The developments concerning filings for elective office over the last week have been extraordinary, perhaps amazing. When I awaken on Tuesday, June 5th, I had no intention to be a candidate for the United States Congress. My intentions were to continue in my service as a State Senator for the people of Minneapolis. My first goal has always been to make a contribution to the community, city and state that I love.

However, that Tuesday also brought a series of unexpected developments including Rep. Keith Ellison unexpected filing for election to become Attorney General. As the morning and early afternoon preceded a number of people for whom I have deep respect urged me to seek Keith’s about to be vacant congressional seat. They argued that my objectives in public service to my community and my country would be well served in that role in Washington. I was flattered and touched.

 

With the filing deadline looming within only a few hours I chose to take their advice and file for that office.

 

By the time the dust settled on that extraordinary Tuesday, the number of candidates for multiple public offices had increased to an unusual and many believe overly large field.

 

Stepping away from that day, I know that our first priority needs to be to protect and continue to grow the community that is Minnesota. Although I have deep respect and affection for my Republican friends and colleagues, I believe that the values represented by the Democratic Party are the ones that best serve Minnesota, America and the world.

 

I like many of you I am concerned that too much inner-party fighting risks the electoral success that is required in order to protect and grow the Minnesota that we love.

Although the quality within the field of candidates is a testament to the amount of talent within the DFL it, nevertheless, concerns me that it might be simply too large for our own good. I fear that an ugly Primary fight could leave an unpleasant residue that will get in the way of the victory we need in November. It also concerns me that such a Primary fight will drain our limited financial resources away from the general election effort. Much is at stake and we must work together now.

 

Probably like you, I have looked through the list and developed my own thoughts as to who should withdraw for the good of the whole. But how can one suggest to another withdrawing for the good of the whole if one is not willing to apply that test to themselves? My parents taught me long ago not to ask your neighbor to do something that you yourself would not do.

 

Serving in Congress would be a great honor for me in which I believe I would do a job that would make my family, community and the state of Minnesota proud. Notwithstanding, serving in the State Senate is a job that allows me to do many things for the good of our community. Working for our community is what matters most to me. All of us must dedicate ourselves to resisting the regressive forces that seek to make our beloved state move in the tragic direction that our neighboring Wisconsin has moved. We must stand together.

 

Accordingly, in the spirit of bringing us together, I have decided to suspend my active candidacy as a plea to my fellow Democrats to come together and not do damage to the great purpose that our party represents. Under the law, I cannot now remove my name from the ballot but I will actively campaign for another DFLer for that seat and double down on my duties as a State Senator. I do this reluctantly because it would be a great honor to serve in Congress, but I do so believing it is the best thing to help us all move forward together.

 

My plea to my fellow DFLers is that we do not savage each other in this Primary. I honor and respect decisions made by others to stay in the race. I simply have decided that I do not want to risk being an element of division when we need to come together. We must come together remembering our values and the great accomplishments that where brought forth by unselfish leaders and rank-and-file Democrats of the past. If we pull together we can contribute mightily for a very bright future for Minnesota.