ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A Republican with deep ties to the Minnesota business community has decided against a run for governor next year.
Minnesota Business Partnership Executive Director Charlie Weaver said Monday he won't get into the wide-open race. Weaver had been mulling a campaign since incumbent GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty ruled out a third-term bid.
Weaver is a former state legislator, state agency commissioner and chief of staff to Pawlenty.
He said he wasn't prepared to make the personal and professional sacrifice needed for a statewide campaign.
There are seven Republicans vying for the party nomination and 11 candidates seeking the Democratic Party nod.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
