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Capitol View®
Tom Scheck

Thompson resigns leadership position

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State Sen. Dave Thompson, R-Lakeville, announced today that he’s resigning his leadership position in the Minnesota Senate. Thompson, who is running for governor, said in a letter to GOP Senate Minority Leader David Hann that he's stepping down.

“As you know, I recently declared my candidacy for governor. Therefore, I believe it is unwise to continue my Assistant Minority Leader position,” Thompson wrote in a letter to GOP Senate Minority Leader David Hann.

Thompson's letter didn't specify why he thought it would be unwise to continue in Senate leadership.

The letter comes at a time when Hann is also considering whether he will run for governor. Hann said he will announce his decision by the end of the week. If he chooses to run, Thompson’s letter could put pressure on him to also abandon his leadership post.

Thompson is one of four Republicans who have declared that they’re running for governor. Orono-based businessman Scott Honour, Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson and state Rep. Kurt Zellers have all filed paperwork to run. State Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexendria, and state Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, have also said they’re thinking about running.

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton is running for reelection.

Here's Thompson's letter: