Taylor: Poss. Run for Governor - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota Democratic Senate leader Ryan Taylor says he's considering a run for governor, and he intends to hold public meetings to talk about issues.

Taylor sent an email to supporters Friday saying the "time is now" to "begin a conversation with my fellow North Dakotans" about a possible governor's race.

Taylor ranches near Towner in north-central North Dakota. He says he isn't officially announcing a campaign yet.

He tells The Associated Press that his first meetings will be at local Democratic functions. North Dakota Democrats don't have an announced candidate for governor next year.

 Incumbent Republican Jack Dalrymple hasn't said whether he'll run for his own four-year term. He has been governor since last December, when former Gov. John Hoeven resigned. Hoeven is now in the U.S. Senate.

We'd like to know what you think about the state of the Democratic party in North Dakota and chances of Ryan Taylor.  Send your response to us at news@valleynewslive.com.

TEXT OF EMAIL FROM TAYLOR TO SUPPORTERS

Dear North Dakota Friends:

For some time now, I have been encouraged by citizens from across our state to run for Governor of North Dakota.

This encouragement has only increased since my colleagues elected me to serve as Senate Minority Leader before the 2011 legislative session.

Up until now, my focus has been on my family and our ranch. It's one thing to run for office as a multimillionaire, but it's quite another when you are making a living and balancing the demands of work and raising a young family. I don't believe that great personal fortune should be prerequisite for public office. I strongly believe that the viewpoints and contributions of citizens, from every walk of life, who know exactly what it's like to make ends meet, strengthens our democracy. And it is a viewpoint that we need more of in state government.

That's why I've decided that the time to begin a conversation with my fellow North Dakotans about the possibility of running for governor is now. I'm seriously exploring the possibility of seeking the Democratic-NPL Party's nomination and making a race for governor to lead North Dakota forward.

At this time, I'm not ready to officially throw my hat into the ring. At the moment, as Senate Minority Leader, I am concentrating on preparing for the upcoming special session in November. I'm working with my fellow senators to make sure that this session is a productive one for all North Dakotans but especially for those who have been

directly impacted by recent flooding. I'm striving to ensure we put forward a good redistricting plan for voters of the state and handle the other important issues that will be brought up in the special session in a way that moves our state forward and addresses the real needs and concerns of all North Dakotans. And, as many North Dakotans can appreciate, as a rancher, I'm preparing for this winter. Our ranch provides for my family and I want to ensure that everything is in order before I launch a possible campaign.

But now is the time to listen to North Dakotans. I want to hear about the hopes and aspirations of citizens in every corner of our state. We know that North Dakota has been richly blessed with fertile farmlands, abundant grasslands and a wealth of natural resources. But, as always, our greatest natural resource is our people. North Dakotans work hard to solve problems. Our businesses innovate. And our schools and universities prepare our young people for the future ahead. Any campaign to lead this state and its citizens must put these ingredients together, so we can sow this seed, and ensure a lasting harvest for the generations to come.

I look forward to traveling across our state and the conversation ahead.

Sincerely,

Ryan Taylor

If you have any questions, please contact me at cowlogic@srt.com. Thank You.