Mpls. Mayor Rybak opens new PAC

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak opened a new political venture while he considers whether to seek a fourth term atop Minnesota's largest city, a re-election decision that he said Tuesday he would make before the year is over.

A day earlier, Rybak registered a statewide political action committee after closing a separate account that was the vehicle for an unsuccessful run for governor two years ago. Rybak is listed as chairman of the new RYPAC that will allow him to engage financially in state campaigns. His defunct gubernatorial committee put in a small amount of some seed money.

Rybak said in a telephone interview Tuesday that he hasn't made any plans about how to use the new political action committee.

As for a re-election campaign, Rybak said an announcement would come after he discusses his options with family members over the holidays. He said his family needs to be on board, given the sacrifices and time commitment that comes with public office. He has a year left in on his third mayoral term.

"If it was just about the job, I'd do it in a second," Rybak said. "I love what I do."

A few people are exploring mayoral campaigns, with some saying they'll back Rybak if he runs.

Rybak is also vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee and he said he will pursue another term in that voluntary role during a party meeting in January.

St. Paul's mayorship is also on the 2013 ballot. Incumbent Chris Coleman hasn't formally announced a campaign but he has held fundraisers ahead of a potential third-term bid.