As regular readers will know, I recently began championing Rep. Laura Brod as the best candidate that Minnesota conservatives could rally around in next year’s gubernatorial contest here in Minnesota. 

I heard from Rep. Brod earlier this morning on the subject of her potential (and, I hope, likely) candidacy for governor.

If you have not already heard, Laura will be suspending her prospective campaign due to some health issues that turned up in a recent routine visit to her physician.  Knowing Laura’s commitment to the conservative cause this has got to be frustrating.  But she has decided, correctly I believe, that addressing these health issues come first if she is to ultimately enter the race.  As the below statement demonstrates, Laura is confident she will ultimately be given a clean bill of health.

As I know many of you are people of faith, I would ask you to remember her in your prayers and stop by her Facebook page and offer a word of encouragement. 

I highly suspect we will see Rep. Brod back on the campaign trail by the time the state fair rolls around engaged in the battle of ideas — right where she belongs!

Best wishes,
Gary M. Miller

Laura’s statement: 

Friends,
 
Over the past month, I have been talking to friends, family and activists about what it will take to win next year’s election for Governor.  I have been truly humbled by the support and encouragement so many have given to me.  In just a few short weeks, a talented group of volunteers formed and laid out a winning plan for 2010.  As I am out and about, I am often asked the question, “Are you going to run for Governor, Laura?”  It is with this question in mind that I write you today.
 
Recently I went in to the doctor for a yearly check up, and unfortunately, found that I had some results from routine diagnostic tests which were concerning.  Last week, a second opinion confirmed what I originally learned and set forth a treatment plan, after which I am certain I will get a clean bill of health.  Over the holiday weekend, my family and I decided right now is not the right time to begin a campaign for the Governor so we are suspending the conversations I have been having related to the potential of my candidacy so we can focus our energy where it needs to be and will evaluate where things are at in late summer. 
 
For us, as Republicans and more importantly, for our state, the stakes could not be higher.  The outcome to the Governor’s race will shape Minnesota’s direction for a generation as well as the national landscape as we redraw our Congressional districts following the 2010 Census.  Anyone who seeks the Governor’s office must understand that wanting to “be” Governor isn’t enough.  The person must have a well-defined plan that goes beyond just talking points for what they want to “do” as Governor.  The candidate who deserves our Republican endorsement for Governor will be the one who leads a spirited discussion about bold ideas and real solutions. No matter who ends up getting in the large field of candidates for Governor, I look forward to that discussion.
 
Over the next several weeks, I will be sharing my ideas for solutions about where we need to go as a state to address the challenges that Minnesota faces now and into the future and ask you for your feedback and input.  We need all hands on deck to pull together our best ideas for how we can persuade Minnesotans that we have better solutions to positively impact their families in both the short and long term and get our state back on track.  I believe this is the ultimate path to victory in November 2010; it is how we can win and chart a positive course for the future of Minnesota.  One delegate I spoke with put it best: “When we act like them, they win.  When we act like us, we win!
 
I look forward to seeing you along the way.
 
Warm regards,
 
 
Laura Brod