Updated: 09/25/2009 7:33 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: Becky Nahm

Usually Raucous Mayor Races Quiet in 2009

In November, voters in Minnesota's two largest cities will chose their mayors. But, while the races for mayor in both Minneapolis and St. Paul are usually hotly-contested, this year politicos might find it difficult to stifle a yawn.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman announced his reelection bid in January. Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak made it known he planned to run again in February.

Since then, the mayoral races in Minnesota's two largest cities have gone mostly silent.

University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute political science professor Larry Jacobs said, "These are the most bizarre elections I've ever seen."

Jacobs said Coleman and Rybak seem to have unified DFL support in the two strong Democratic cities.

In Minneapolis, Rybak, who has raised nearly $260,000, faces several challengers who have almost no money.

For example, earlier this month Al Flowers had $.65 left in his campaign fund.

In St. Paul, Eva Eng is challenging Coleman.