Editors' note: The following is an editorial from the Mankato Free Press. It is reprinted with permission.

We could list all the candidates who have entered, or are expected to enter, the 2010 Minnesota governor's race. But it might look something like the pages of a phone book.

There are lots of Democratic names and lots of Republican names lining up to succeed Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who recently made it official that he will not be running for a third term. To fill the void on the Democratic side, we are to consider (to name a few) former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton, former House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, a couple of state senators and state reps.

Republicans are no less reticent about entering the fray. There are (or will be) House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and former House Speaker Steve Sviggum; former U.S. Sen. Rod Grams, former State Auditor Pat Anderson as well as former U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad and state Rep. Laura Brod.

Just to name a few. It should be interesting, for sure, as announcements are made. So many well-known names, so many politicians with unique personal perspectives and areas of public service that sometimes overlap and sometimes contrast.

The race hasn't yet pulled voters in by the collar and forced them to take notice, but we'd be mistaken to believe the race hasn't already begun. With that in mind, it's not too early to appreciate this great variety and begin thinking about what we should be looking for in our next governor.

Here's a list of what we voters might want, and need, in the new governor:

• A personality who will always put the state's well-being ahead of personal goals.

• Someone who not only announces his/her intention of reaching across the aisle to solve tough issues, but who possesses the courage and the personality to encourage reciprocal efforts from the other side.

• Someone anxious for an honest give-and-take on taxes, with an eye not just on the political ramifications of taxation, but on a thoughtful consideration on balancing the results of said taxes.

• A leader who is capable and willing to knock some heads together, both within the party and outside of it, behind closed doors when important issues are at stake. Someone who is just as able and willing to use sugar as vinegar when the situation calls for it.

• Like all good Minnesotans, someone who appreciates the environment.

• Someone not prone to grandstanding, but a straight-talker. Articulate but not a pontificator. Able to understand and be understood by Minnesotans of all stripes and educational backgrounds.

• Someone who'll admit he/she doesn't know everything. Who will admit to mistakes. Who is willing to install people around him/her who will not be afraid to disagree.

At this point, we have all sorts of options, all sorts of personalities with their inevitable strengths and weaknesses. It will be up to us to apply to these individuals the kinds of character traits we want. We might as well begin now.