Wow. Every time I’m told someone has a really good shot at the Dem. or Repub. nomination, they take themselves out of the running the next day.

Here’s the full text of State Sen. Geoff Michel’s (Republican of Edina) email:

“Last week a great Congressman announced that he would not run for reelection next year.  Jim Ramstad has been a role model public servant.  Minnesota and the Third Congressional District are fortunate to have benefited from more than two decades of his time and energy.  Jim had big shoes to fill: he took the torch passed to him by Bill Frenzel and served with skill and grace.  I’m proud to have worked closely with both Frenzel and Ramstad and consider each of them a mentor.

“Today I am sharing with friends and supporters that I will not seek the 3rd District Congressional seat next year.  After giving this serious thought, I have concluded that Congress is broken and the lifestyle of a member of Congress is unappealing.

“It would be worth the effort if Congress was an institution that was working well.  It is not.  The life of a member of Congress is now perpetual campaigning, countless hours on the phone raising money, and incessant travel.   Members of Congress seem very busy doing everything but the actual work of the people.   I have four young daughters and a wonderful wife.  Trading soccer games, piano recitals and dinners at home for frequent flyer miles and long distance phone cards feels selfish to me. 

“Congress is even less popular than the President.  Spending and earmarks are out of control.  We see no solutions and very little debate about the important issues of today, including health care, immigration, and the environment.  Is Congress preparing us for the retirement of the baby boomers and the need for entitlement reforms?  Clearly the answer is no.

“In contrast, state governments, governors and legislatures are moving on all of these issues.  I am much more optimistic that Minnesota will be engaged and lead on these issues – even with our divided government.  The issues that I have a passion for, lower taxes and efficient spending, education, the University of Minnesota, transportation and the environment are getting attention and action right here in Saint Paul.  I want to focus my time and energy where government and elected officials can get things done.” 

I heard the rumor yesterday and called Sen. Michel. He wouldn’t confirm, darn him. But he was kind enough to send me the email above.

I also heard that State Rep. Melissa Hortman is starting to tell her inner circle that she is NOT inclined to get in. I called her this morning and she said the decision was not made. But she also spoke about the demands that the congressional life places on a young family.

Something interesting going on here. A lot of very promising candidacies being taken off the table. Used to be that an opening like this would be viewed as a once-in-in-a-generation opportunity and anyone with a credible chance would go for it. Need to think more about this. Feel free to elucidate below on what you think is going on here.

I just got back from a presentation at the Humphrey by America’s top pollster, Andrew Kohut, about the lay of the political land heading into next year, so I think I’ll spend the next hour writing up what he said.