Statement about running for governor: "We've shown in Minneapolis that we can make progress, create jobs and get action to create real change. We've strengthened our economy, improved public safety and streamlined city government. Most importantly we've restored a sense of hope and shown that even in the toughest times we can do great things when we come together." — e-mail from Mayor R.T. Rybak, who filed paperwork with the state to create an R.T. Rybak for Governor Committee on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009

Party: DFL

Current government position: Minneapolis Mayor

Elected: 2001   

Term: 2nd

Occupation: public official, reporter, business consultant, community activist

Birth date: Nov. 12, 1955

Home: Minneapolis

Education: B.A., political science, Boston College

Websites:

R.T. Rybak

Office of the Mayor
          
E-mail: Contact the Mayor at City Hall

Key issues and priorities: Rybak's priorities are aimed at making Minnesota, and Minneapolis most specifically, a safe, pleasant and prosperous place to live. He is focused on job growth, ending homelessness and fighting crime within the city through prevention programs and police accountability. His biography on the mayor's website says, "Mayor Rybak is now leading efforts to revitalize north Minneapolis, attack juvenile crime, make Minneapolis a wireless city, end homelessness in ten years, and significantly reduce the City's energy consumption to combat global climate change."

Political experience: Mayor of Minneapolis, elected in 2001 and re-elected in 2005. Co-founder of ROAR (Residents Opposed to Airport Racket); Co-chair of the Minnesota for Howard Dean presidential campaign (2004); Chair of the Minnesota for Barack Obama campaign (2008); Vice President of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors, elected 2008.

Background articles:

"If Mayors Coleman and Rybak run for governor, they'll be following a lonely path"

Mayor of Minneapolis website

"Mayor R.T. Rybak reacts to Obama's economic plan"

"Minneapolis speaks: Q&A with city officials"

"Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak Jr. an early opponent of the Iraq war"