It is not surprising for people on the Democratic side to be speculating about running for Governor in 2002. The wild card in such a race is Gov. Jesse Ventura because he is being coy about another candidacy. The potential conflict this could set up between Rukavina and Janezich is something that would need to be averted. A division of the Range vote in a DFL Primary would not bode well for the influence the Range could play in a General election. The assistance this could give to the Jesse Ventura effort should not go unnoticed.
Rangers are generally pretty good about making sure their ducks are all in a row.
If Rukavina is on with Dutcher he helps to solve one of the redistricting problems because he won't be there. This part of northern Minnesota may lose as much as a Senate District and a half. With Rukavina out of the way it will be less troublesome. Janezich's departure from the legislature in 2000 prevents him from being a factor to consider in this regard. That's the up side and there always is a downside.