T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter

Congressman Mark Kennedyís bid for U.S. Senate received the endorsement of the highest elected Republican in the state, Gov. Pawlenty.

ìI feel really good about endorsing Congressman Kennedy for U.S. Senate for a whole variety of reasons,î said Pawlenty on Monday (March 7), speaking at the Republican Party headquarters in St. Paul.

Pawlenty praised the 6th District congressman as being someone who can take the campaign to a higher level ó an A-plus candidate set to go.

ìAnd itís going to be a very competitive U.S. Senate race,î said Pawlenty.

Pawlentyís endorsement comes shortly after former Republican U.S. Senator Rod Grams reportedly criticized Republican Party leaders for serving as kingmakers for Kennedy.

Grams, who was defeated by Democrat Sen. Mark Dayton in 2000, has indicated interest in running again for the U.S. Senate.
Kennedy disagreed with Gramsí assessment that his campaign for Senate had turned into a coronation.

He called it a misrepresentation of the underlying facts.

Kennedy ó who said 95 percent of the Republican delegates heís spoken to support him ó does not expect the campaign within the Republican Party to become divisive.

ìAnd I think that is the way to make sure we are victorious next fall,î said Kennedy.

Kennedy, who announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate three weeks ago, said a benefit of an early start is that it allows him to pursue his duties as congressman.

He said he believes heís in the 6th District as much as any congressman is in their district, he said.

ìCongressman Kennedy has got to get started early,î said Pawlenty of the campaign, adding the cost of a U.S. Senate race ranges from $10 million to $15 million.

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