You can call him Robbob, and he really is running for governor

By Baird Helgeson

Rob Hahn hasn't written the ending to his novel, Robbob for Governor, a fictional account of an independent-minded candidate seeking the state's highest office.

So when Hahn announced Thursday he was running as an Independence Party candidate for governor, he expected questions about the authenticity of his run. Hahn said he has close friends who doubted he was serious (on his Web site, he asks to be called Robbob). "It is not a publicity stunt," said Hahn, 40. "I am very serious about this candidacy." The St. Paul resident describes himself as a fiscal conservative and a social liberal. He is president of Hahn Publications, which publishes The Midwest Wine Connection and Minnesota Prep Sports. He also wrote The Funeral Home Murders, a mystery set in Hudson, Wis. Now let's get to the issues: How much money does he think the campaign will cost? $200,000 to $1 million. How much does he have now? "Absolutely nothing," he said. "I am going to have to start getting out there right now." Tax increases? "I would not rule out a tax increase." Racinos and river boat gambling to raise money? Let's look at it. State aid to cities? "Phasing it out would force cities to be more independent and more fiscally responsible." Gay marriage? "Yes. I absolutely support same-sex marriage. These people are humans. They are individuals who deserve the same rights we do. By not allowing gays to marry is a form of discrimination and I don't think it's appropriate in our society." Will he step aside if he loses the Independence Party endorsement? "I don't know. I am not going to say today that I will abide by it, but I will certainly keep it at the forefront of thought." To learn more, check out his Web site here.