ST. PAUL, Minn. - One possible Republican candidate for Michele Bachmann's congressional seat is taking herself out of the running while another gets ready to announce his plans.
Bachmann's surprise decision not to seek reelection started a scramble among possible Republican successors in the right-leaning 6th Congressional District. But on Monday, state Sen. Michelle Benson of Ham Lake said she wouldn't run.
In an email, Benson thanked supporters for encouraging her but says her still-young family needs her in Minnesota full-time.
One likely candidate is revealing his intentions Wednesday. Former state representative and GOP candidate for governor Tom Emmer plans an evening event in his hometown of Delano for what he calls an "announcement" on the race.
Bachmann's Democratic opponent, Jim Graves, dropped out after she did. That left an open DFL field.
