State Sen. John Marty is sticking his toe into the DFL pool of contenders for the gubernatorial race. Again.

He e-mailed word today that, in preparation for the 2010 race, he's launching an exploratory campaign for governor and has set up a website to further the cause.

The Roseville legislator ran once before for governor, in 1994, getting the DFL endorsement but losing to incumbent Gov. Arne Carlson.

Other DFLers already in play for the governor's race include state Sen. Tom Bakk of Cook, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner and State Rep. Paul Thissen of Minneapolis. The Twin Cities’ mayors, R.T. Rybak and Chris Coleman, are also mentioned as possible candidates.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty hasn't said if he'll run for a third term.

Here's a letter from Marty supporters to DFL activists, spelling out why Marty's time has come. Again.

“Dear friends:

“Our state and nation face challenges that will not be solved by business as usual -- the worst economic times since the great depression, the foreclosure crisis, rising unemployment, and increasing economic and social disparities. These challenges require the kind of change that is only available from a leader of vision and courage.

“That's why we are encouraging John Marty to run for Governor, and today we are announcing the formation of an exploratory campaign. Please join us at johnmarty.org

“We are encouraging Senator Marty to run for Governor because of his vision, his strength, his integrity and his courage. Minnesotans are eager for change. We don't want politicians to continually tell us that universal health care will never happen, or that decent wages for workers are unrealistic, or that adequate funding for schools isn't feasible. We want a governor who will work with us to make things happen. We are confident John Marty can provide that leadership.

“We have seen John Marty's leadership in health care reform. Senator Marty is the candidate with the vision to design the Minnesota Health Plan -- the only plan around that would provide affordable health care to every Minnesotan. We have observed John's strength, day after day, giving voice to Minnesotans' need for a health care system that works. He is building a growing coalition of individuals and organizations who support this bold reform. John is the candidate with the integrity to reject all money from the pharmaceutical and insurance industries and all other special interests. That kind of courage enables him to stand up and fight for, and win passage of, the Minnesota Health Plan.

“John Marty is rooted with conservative values -- honesty, fairness, respect, frugality; John Marty has a progressive vision -- healthy families, a safe environment, good schools a better future.

“Please join us.”