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Paulsen: Still No Decision On Senate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Rep. John Kline has taken his name off the table for statewide office in Minnesota, but his House colleague Erik Paulsen isn't ready to do the same.

Paulsen told WCCO-AM on Friday that he has given "no thought" to a Senate run against Al Franken, who faces re-election in 2014. Paulsen has been mentioned as one Republican who might be drawn into the race.

Paulsen told WCCO he's focused on his current work. He's in his third term representing a west metro congressional district.

"I have given no thought to that," Paulsen told WCCO AM host Moose Miller Friday when asked about a possible Senate run. "I suppose at some point I'll make an announcement on (a Senate run), if I would even entertain the idea.  But I'm just really focused on doing what I'm elected (to do.)"

Erik Paulsen Talks Senate Run On WCCO Radio

Erik Paulsen Talks Senate Run On WCCO Radio

Kline said earlier Friday he wanted to make clear he's not running so that other possible candidates will step forward. He says the party needs a good challenger soon especially for Franken, who won his first term via recount.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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