Joining an ever-growing pack of hopefuls, DFL State Sen. Tom Bakk of Cook announced Sunday that he'll run for governor next year. He's been chair of the Senate Tax Committee since 2006.

His priorities are job growth and job security, says the Duluth News Tribune.

“Too many Minnesotans are losing their jobs, homes and health insurance. I am determined to turn Minnesota around, restore balance, fairness and common sense to our economic policies,” Bakk said in a news release.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty's announcement last week that he won't seek re-election started a run on politicians testing the gubernatorial waters. DFLers had been lining up for some time, but now many prominent Republicans are at least considering a run in what is likely to be a wide open race.

The Duluth paper says even before Pawlenty bowed out, Bakk was listed as a likely contender, along with former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, former state Sen. Steve Kelley, former House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, state Sen. John Marty and state Rep. Paul Thissen. House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher of Minneapolis, state Sen. Tarryl Clark of St. Cloud and Twin Cities Mayors R.T. Rybak and Chris Coleman also are seen as potential candidates.