Rob Hahn, a St. Paul author and publisher of two specialized newspapers, reports he'll formally announce Thursday that he's seeking the Independence Party nomination for governor. 

His Hahn Publications publishes the newspapers The Midwest Wine Connection and Minnesota Prep Sports. And he wrote the mystery novel "The Funeral Home Murders."

He previously worked as a producer at WCCO-AM. His announcement is scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. in Room 181 of the State Office Building.

When I asked about his previous political experience, Hahn responded:

"I was Junior class president at Winona Cotter High School, and I took on (and won) St. Paul City Hall, including the City Council, in 2008 to get a sidewalk in my neighborhood fixed.

"Not your most traditional route to the governor's office. I'm an outsider, to be sure, who will offer a unique and unfiltered vision for the state coupled with fresh leadership that we need so much at this time. There have been many examples of 'outsiders' here and nationally who've done quite well as first-time politicians. I view my lack of traditional political experience (free of partisan baggage) as a strength, especially given the current voter sentiment toward the two parties."

So far we've heard from one certain Indepedence Party candidate: Rahn Workcuff, who's already registered and is known as a frequent candidate for political offices.

Tom Horner, a political consultant, said in December that he might seek the IP endorsement, and Dean Barkley is mentioned as a possible candidate.

Also, IP chair Jack Uldrich has confirmed that he's "reached out" to former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice James Gilbert about running for governor under the party's banner.

And MPR reports that John T. Uldrich, father of party chair Jack, has filed paperwork to run for governor as an IP candidate. John T. was a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 2006.