State Sen. John Pederson of Haven Twp. has announced plans to drop out of the Sixth Congressional District race.
He reported he would no longer be able to combine efforts for a run for the seat with family, his job as vice president of Amcon Block and his continuing position as state senator serving the St. Cloud area.
Other declared Republican candidates for the position, to succeed Michele Bachmann, are Tom Emmer, 2010 gubernatorial candidate, Phil Krinkie, former state representative, and Rhonda Sivarajah, Anoka County board chairperson.
Pederson said he has not endorsed a fellow candidate for the position. That will be left to the Sixth Congressional District endorsing convention April 11-12 in Monticello.
Republicans will, however, be holding a straw poll to determine support for the candidates at their caucuses Feb. 4.
Announced DFL candidates for the congressional seat include Judy Adams, Circle Pines and Jim Read, Avon college professor.
