Statements about running for governor: Brod, who was expected to seek the Republican gubernatorial nomination, has e-mailed friends and supporters that she will not get in the race - at least for the time being - due to health concerns. Brod wrote:“Recently I went in to the doctor for a year check up, and unfortunately, found that I had some results from routine diagnostic tests which were concerning. Last week, a second opinion confirmed what I originally learned and set forth a treatment plan, after which I am certain I will get a clean bill of health. Over the holiday weekend, my family and I decided right now is not the right time to begin a campaign for the Governor so we are suspending the conversations I have been having related to the potential of my candidacy so we can focus our energy where it needs to be and will evaluate where things are at later this summer.

“For us, as Republicans, and more importantly for our state, the stakes could not be higher,’’ she wrote. “The outcome to the Governor’s race will shape Minnesota’s direction for a generation as well as the national landscape as we redraw our Congressional districts following the 2010 Census. Anyone who seeks the Governor’s office must understand that wanting to be Governor isn’t enough. The person must have well-defined plan that goes beyond talking points for what they want to do as Governor. The candidate who deserves our Republican endorsement for Governor will be the one who leads a spirited discussion about bold ideas and real solutions. No matter who ends up getting in the large field of candidates for Governor, I look forward to that discussion.’’ -- MinnPost, July 8, 2009

"I'm weighing all the options out there. Hopefully we'll make a decision within the next month to six weeks." She said the idea of running for governor is exciting. "I've loved serving the area, but there's a lot we've got to do as a state. We need to make some significant and fundamental reforms so that government doesn't just function, but serves the people well." — New Prague Times, June 9, 2009

A source close to Brod said she will run for governor and will make an official in the next week or two. Brod was actively courting activists at the MNGOP State Party Central Committee meeting in June. At the time, she said she was gauging interest on a run. — MPR, June 15, 2009

Party: GOP

Current government position: State representative, District 25A

Elected: 2002

Term: Fourth

Occupation: Small-business owner

Birth date: Dec. 11, 1971

Home: New Prague

Education: B.A., University of Minnesota; M.A., Minnesota State University Mankato

Website: LauraBrod.com

Facebook

E-mail: rep.laura.brod@house.mn

Key issues and priorities: Brod says that she knows first-hand as a small-business owner that the "real drivers of our economy are the people of our state — not government." On other issues, Brod supports the production of biodiesel and ethanol, the Clean Water Legacy Act and does not believe abortion providers should receive support from taxpayers. — Brod's website

Political experience: Elected to the New Prague City Council in 1998 and she also served on the Prague Economic Development Authority and the New Prague Utilities Commission

Background article: "Suburban Rep. Laura Brod could be intriguing GOP candidate for governor"