Downey Not Ruling Out Run for State Senate

Considering the rapid shift of the Edina political landscape in light of decisions by Sen. Geoff Michel and Rep. Pat Mazorol to , Rep. Keith Downey (R-Edina) says he's keeping his options open in terms of which seat he will run for.

The Senate District 49 GOP party held its convention this past weekend at , though delegates did not endorse candidates for the three races. That decision has been postponed until April 26.

Downey said waiting to endorse isn't unheard of, especially in a case where candidates might feel rushed into making a decision.

"It's no small decision to decide to run for state office," Downey said. "To get good candidates into the race and give them a fair chance to meet with delegates, it made sense to postpone endorsing."

Considering the local GOP party had three incumbents until recently, Downey said most people who might consider running likely weren't giving it much consideration. He said people just need a little bit more time before making a decision of that magnitude.

Downey himself isn't positive whether he will be seeking re-election to his house seat or pursuing the senate spot left open by Michel. He had previously declared he would still be running for his house seat, but said when news came out Mazorol wasn't running for re-election "it created a totally different dynamic."

"There are a lot of discussions taking place of who should run for what," Downey said. "Right now I'm officially declared for my seat, but I think you have to take a look at everything in fairness to your community and the other candidates. I'm listening for now."

The SD 49 DFL party endorsed Target attorney Melisa Lopez Franzen to run for state senate, while they chose Ron Erhardt to run for Downey's current house seat.

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