Former U.S. attorney David Lillehaug has also become a candidate. A former aide to Walter Mondale and ally of Paul Wellstone, Lillehaug lost a bid for the Democratic nomination for attorney general in 1998. Ambitious and with strong ties to traditional Democratic constituencies, including the environmental community, Lillehaug is a factor in the race. Also a factor is 2nd district congressman David Minge, who has formed a Senate campaign committee. But while Minge could be a strong general election candidate, it's far from clear that he will have enough appeal among more liberal party activists to win a primary, let alone a party endorsing convention.
Money is also a question.
Democrats are waiting for decisions by other potential candidates, as well. Former congressman Tim Penny, whose reputation for political independence has won him scores of admirers, would be a strong candidate. But insiders chuckle that he would rather be anointed as the Democratic nominee than run in a nasty primary. State Sen. Minority Leader Roger Moe is also mentioned, but he has yet to indicate his intentions. Attorney Mike Ciresi is also getting mention, initially as a possible Reform Party candidate but more recently as a possible Democratic candidate.