Bakk not coming back

Huge development in the MN Senate. 

Minnesota Sen. Tom Bakk, once a powerful Iron Range DFLer who in recent years split from his party, has announced he will retire at the end of the year.

Bakk, a Cook Independent, is in his sixth Senate term and chairs the Capital Investment Committee. His retirement opens up the Senate District 3 seat representing Koochiching, St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties at a time when Democrats are struggling to keep their footing outstate.

In a statement, Bakk said representing the region "has been one of the greatest rewards of my life."

"I have always tried to do my best for the people I've served even if it was not always easy or popular with my own political party," he said. "The friendships and the memories I have made will carry with me forever."

Bakk trying to do what's "best for the people" did indeed run afoul of his party to the point where, in early 2020, he lost his title of DFL Senate Majority Leader when his party's members voted in favor of metrocrat Susan Kent of Woodbury. Less than a year later, Bakk and Chisholm Sen. David Tomassoni (who is also not seeking reelection this year) formed an Independent caucus, effectively strengthening the Republican majority in the Senate. 

There's no question that this bodes well for Republicans this election cycle as these two vacancies will be outstate, which has become a GOP stronghold. Given MN Republicans are in prime position to seize the House as well as retain control of the Senate, it is paramount the party get it right when selecting a gubernatorial candidate to unseat Gov. Tim Walz in November. But if the GOP nominee is left wanting in the eyes of independent voters? Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung floated an intriguing scenario. 

How about a Tom Bakk independent run for Gov? He did make a run as a DFLer back in 2010 before dropping out. (Where would that end up in the indy lane vs. Cory H.?) https://t.co/c4GrNXj6ES

— Brian McClung (@bmcclung) March 17, 2022

I won't say which ones, but there are some GOP gov candidates who could potentially cause me to pull the lever for a candidate Bakk.  

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