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R.T. Rybak said in a letter to supporters he's filed paperwork to officially kick off a gubernatorial bid.

Rybak running for governor 1 Comment UPDATED November 5, 2009, 8:03pm

By Cristof Traudes

It's been less than 48 hours since he found out he'd be mayor again, but R.T. Rybak already is entering another election contest: He's running for governor.

The news comes less than two days after Rybak sealed his third term for office by beating out 10 opponents by a 60 percent margin.

In an e-mail to supporters today that featured a "R.T. Rybak, governor" logo, he said he has filed paperwork to create a R.T. Rybak for Governor Committee, the first official step to running for higher office.

"I've been open with people as I've considered this important step," Rybak said, "so I doubt this will be a surprise."

Rybak has made little secret over the past two years that he was interested in replacing Gov. Tim Pawlenty, frequently saying that the least favorite part of his job as mayor has been the city's lack of control over state-fed funding. In his letter, he said his success in Minneapolis is a sign of what he could do for Minnesota.

"We've strengthened our economy, improved public safety and streamlined city government," Rybak said. "Most importantly, we've restored a sense of hope."

The mayor joins 11 other Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party gubernatorial candidates, including fellow Minneapolitans such as House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Rep. Paul Thissen. No mayor from either of the Twin Cities has been elected governor since 1974.