Norm Coleman won't run for anything

By Richard K. Barry

Late last week Norm Coleman let it be known that he won't run for political office in 2014. Earlier in the year he said he wouldn't take on Sen. Al Franken (DFL-MN), but, according to Minnesota Public Radio, his unequivocal statement means he is ruling out running for governor as well. 

You'll recall that Coleman lost his senate seat to Franken by a hair (312 votes out of over 3 million cast) in 2008. 

Coleman's announcement, which was first reported by KSTP's Tom Hauser, means there is now a wide open field for Republicans looking to challenge DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and Franken.

Coleman has been repeatedly mentioned as a top candidate to challenge either Franken or Dayton in 2014.

The substance of the announcement is interesting enough, but its manner of delivery also fascinates.  It's quite something that a few lines typed on Twitter can do the work of what used to require press releases and press conferences and hours and hours of effort. It does relieve public officials of some wear and tear, which I suppose is a good thing.