Candidates released their fundraising numbers for 2013. On the DFL side, incumbent Governor Mark Dayton raised just over $1 million in 2013 with $470,000 of that in the last quarter. Not surprising anyone, businessman Scott Honour ranked first among the GOP candidates, raising $500,000. Former House Speaker and current state Representative Kurt Zellers of Maple Grove raised a little over $400,000. Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson raised $240,000 and state Senator David Thompson totaled $120,000. Former House Minority Leader Marty Seifert of Marshall raised $150,000 and remarked that he had 800 individual donors, none of whom are lobbyists. Robert Farnsworth of Hibbing did not release his fundraising numbers.

Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon announced that she would not seek another term which leaves Governor Dayton with the opportunity to bring someone new onto the DFL ticket. GOP candidate David Thompson announced this week that state Senator Michele Benson (R-Ham Lake) would be his gubernatorial running mate. He is the only GOP candidate to announce a running mate thus far.

Precinct Caucuses are set for Tuesday, February 4. All the candidates are encouraging voters to participate and advocate for their candidate of choice. To find your precinct caucus location click here http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=886