Democracy for America, the nationwide grassroots political organization that grew out of Howard Dean's campaign for President, has endorsed Mayor R.T. Rybak. The Democracy for America endorsement followed Rybak's endorsement by Democracy for Minnesota, whose members voted overwhelmingly for Rybak after screening both candidates.
"Mayor R.T. Rybak has demonstrated that you can lead an American city with innovation, progressive values and strong fiscal management. He has vision, energy and is a rising star of the Democratic Party," commented Dean on April 17th after hearing of the local chapter's endorsement.
Mayor Rybak was the first big city Mayor in the country to 
endorse Gov. Dean. "Gov. Dean and I both demonstrated that you can lead a government with progressive values and strong management." the Mayor said. "I also share his respect for grassroots democracy and am proud my campaigns have brought many new people into the Democratic Party." Gov. Dean and Mayor Rybak appeared together at a Dean Rally in Minneapolis on February 12, 2004.
Congressman Mark Kennedy announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate on February 11, 2005. He did so in his home town of Watertown, Minnesota. He was joined by his wife, Debbie and both his and her parents. Congressman Kennedy was a member of the Bush Cheney '04 Minnesota Leadership Team.
St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly announced on February 7, 2005 that he would run for re-election. Mayor Kelly, a Democrat, endorsed President George W. Bush, a Republican, in his bid for re-election in 2004. He introduced the President at a Bush Cheney '04 Rally held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on August 18, 2004.
R.T. Rybak announced that he's running for reelection as Mayor of Minneapolis on January 30, 2005. Mayor Rybak endorsed Howard Dean for President during the 2004 election and was a member of the Minnesota for Dean Steering Committee. He introduced Governor Dean at a fundraiser held February 12, 2004 at the Minneapolis Convention Center .
