Kline will not run for U.S. Senate, Minn. governor

Republican U.S. Rep. John Kline said Friday he's taking his name off the table as a potential challenger against Democratic Sen. Al Franken and Gov. Mark Dayton in 2014.

Kline tells the Associated Press that he would like to see a candidate emerge soon to oppose Franken as he's already raised nearly $2 million in campaign funds.

Franken is unopposed for now, but Minnesota Congressman Erik Paulsen, Minnesota investment banker Mike McFadden and talk radio host Jason Lewis are rumored to be mulling a run.

Kline says he'll seek re-election in his southern suburban House seat, where he's currently serving his sixth term. His opponents include founder and ex-CEO of CaringBridge Sona Mehring and former state representative Mike Obermueller.

In the governor's race, MPR reports no Republicans have officially announced plans to run against Dayton.

Potential challengers considering a bid for governor (or rumored to be) include: Sen. Dave Thompson, R-Lakeville; Jeff Johnson, a Hennepin County commissioner and Republican National Committee member; Senate Minority Leader David Hann; former House Speaker Kurt Zellers; Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek; state Sen. Julie Rosen; Wayzata investment banker Scott Honour and Minneapolis attorney Ron Schutz.