Edina mayor suspends congressional campaign

Edina Mayor Jim Hovland today suspended his campaign for the Democratic endorsement in the 3rd Congressional District.

Hovland, a recent convert to the DFL, had been trailing behind attorney Ashwin Madia and State Sen. Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka, in the race for the endorsement. The winner will face off against State Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Eden Prairie, for the seat vacated by longtime Rep. Jim Ramstad, R-Minn.

In a statement announcing the campaign's suspension, Hovland said, "I continue to stand by my pledge to support the candidate endorsed by the Third District Convention in April. However, in the event that no endorsement takes place at that convention, I plan to reevaluate my options at that time."

In a statement sent to Minnesota Monitor, Madia praised Hovland, saying, "He's a good friend and a strong voice for our progressive values. While his substantive contribution to our debates will be missed, I know Jim will continue his great efforts throughout our district and I look forward to working with him."

Bonoff also issued a statement, saying, "Jim is an excellent public servant and a great asset to the people of Edina.  Over the last few months I have gotten to know Jim well and I have nothing but respect for the way he conducted his campaign.  Mayor Hovland is honest, upfront, well-versed in the issues, and I am proud to call him my friend."

The departure of Hovland will leave the DFL race between Bonoff, a two-term state senator who serves as vice chair of the E-12 Education Subdivision, and Madia, a Gulf War veteran and attorney. Madia currently holds a lead in pledged delegates to the district convention.

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