Statements about running for governor:

At his Oct. 20 formal campaign kick-off in Mahtomedi, Kelley said that if he wins the governor's race he would "be on a mission to ensure that we use the best new ideas to get our neighbors back to work and enable all Minnesotans to succeed." — Star Tribune, Oct. 20, 2009

"A lot of us see an opportunity to win … this one is much more wide open." — Minnesota Daily, May 4, 2009

Party: DFL

Current government position: No

Term: Served three terms as state senator, District 44.

Birth date: Jan. 8, 1953

Home: Hopkins, Minn.

Education: B.A., political science and political economy, Williams College; JD, Columbia University School of Law

Website: Steve Kelley for Minnesota Campaign 

E-mail: steve@stevekelley.org

Key issues and priorities: The homepage of Kelley's campaign website bears a photo of an elementary-aged girl running through a field toward a majestic wind turbine. This photo sums up part of Kelley's stated campaign issues: quality elementary education and innovation in renewable energy. His website says, "As governor, Steve Kelley will provide innovative leadership to create and keep jobs, the best opportunities for our children through a world class education and the justice that ensures hard working Minnesotans have a roof over their heads and affordable health care."

Political experience: State Representative, District 44A (1992-1996), Senior fellow at the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute. Director, Humphrey Institute's Center for Science, Technology and Public Policy.

Background articles:

"Vote 2010 / Kelley lays out education plan"

"Governor: Steve Kelley"

"U center director to run for governor"

Check out questions readers have for Minnesota's candidates for governor (and some answers) at 10Questions.com