Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Brian Bakst, Associated Press
St. Paul, Minn.

Marko out of 2nd District congressional race

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

(AP) Democratic state Sen. Sharon Marko withdrew Wednesday from Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District race, making a fall matchup between FBI whistleblower Coleen Rowley and Republican Rep. John Kline a near certainty.

Marko, who was in the race for less than two months, said she entered the race too late and it became clear "the obstacles seem insurmountable, and it's time to step aside."

She said the legislative session hasn't left her enough time to campaign.

When she opened her campaign in February, Marko questioned whether Rowley was the right candidate to take on Kline, who is going after his third term. As she left the race, Marko declined to endorse Rowley. "I'm not supporting anybody," she said.

Marko said she still believes Kline can be beat.

Rowley's campaign manager Joe Elcock said Marko's decision allows Rowley to conserve her resources and focus entirely on Kline. Still, Elcock said having a challenger within the Democratic Party wasn't all bad.

"Sharon getting into the race was also a help because it forced us to organize more and get a better handle on the issues," he said.

Kline spokesman Troy Young said the congressman is busy in Washington and hasn't turned his focus to the campaign. "It is still not clear who the DFL nominee will be," he said.

The 2nd District extends south from the Twin Cities suburbs into small towns and farm-rich areas. Kline won a second term with 56 percent of the vote in 2004.

Minnesota's congressional races are expected to be more lively than usual this year.

Aside from the Rowley-Kline contest, there are several high-profile candidates running in the 6th Congressional District. That seat is open because U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy is going after the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Mark Dayton.

And more than a dozen candidates - mostly DFLers - have announced intentions to run in the 5th Congressional District, where longtime incumbent Rep. Martin Sabo is retiring.