Ex-Lawmaker Runs For AG As Green Party Candidate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A former Democratic state representative filed to run for Minnesota attorney general Tuesday as a Green Party candidate, saying voters aren't content with the two established parties and are looking for a viable alternative to be the state's lead lawyer.

Andy Dawkins, who represented a St. Paul district in the House for 15 years, said he'll run on a message of limiting money in politics and combating policies that make personal data too readily available. He said he supports legalizing "sensible" use of recreational marijuana.

Dawkins, a lawyer for 35 years, wants to deny Democratic Attorney General Lori Swanson a third term. Minnesota Republicans have endorsed state Sen. Scott Newman, of Hutchinson. Brandan Borgos is running on the Independence Party ticket. Mary O'Connor is in the race for the Libertarian Party.

If Dawkins wins 5 percent of the vote, it would elevate the Green Party to the major-party status it once held in Minnesota.

Dawkins is married to former state Sen. Ellen Anderson, who until recently held an energy post in Gov. Mark Dayton's administration. She recently left to take a position at the University of Minnesota, which Dawkins said freed him to run. He said he's working to win her vote and predicted she would back him "in the end."

"Here's the deal: She truly is a loyal Democrat," Dawkins said.

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