Statement about running for governor: "I am deeply concerned about how badly polarized Minnesota has become in recent years. We need to rebuild a spirit of cooperation among independent minded people, and to rethink how our State and Local governments should work. I am especially concerned about maintaining the role and authority of the Legislature as the first among equals of the three branches of Government." — From Dec. 31 statement

Party: Republican

Occupation: Inventor, business consultant, political and social entrepreneur

Birth date: Nov. 23, 1953

Home: Minneapolis

Education: Bachelor of arts from Macalester

Website: leased space at: www.republicancontract.com

E-mail: bob@republicancontract.com

Key issues and priorities: Recruiting independent-minded, non-machine candidates (of all parties or no party) for the Legislature; helping the Legislature to function in a deliberative and cooperative way; restoring the proper balance between the governor and the Legislature; stopping the abuse of unallotment power; developing innovative transit and housing solutions; defending Minnesota from a "big-money takeover."

Political experience: Congressional campaign manager, congressional intern, wide-ranging political activism, including 2009 candidate for Minneapolis mayor

Background articles: Star Tribune op-ed article, "State's budget is a puzzle that can be solved"   

"Sky-bi" video (10 minutes)

MinnPost: "Minneapolis mayoral election going nearly unnoticed"

MinnPost: "GOP governor candidate to appeal dismissal of contributions refund lawsuit"