ST. PAUL (AP) - Amy Klobuchar's top rival for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination stepped aside Friday, giving the Hennepin County prosecutor a big endorsement and a smoother path to the November ballot.
Patty Wetterling's withdrawal leaves Klobuchar and veterinarian Ford Bell as the last announced DFL competitors for the open Senate seat. On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy has a virtual lock on the nomination.
Wetterling said it became apparent to her over the last 11 months that Klobuchar was out front.
"I am therefore taking myself out of the United States Senate race to ensure that we come together, pool resources and unite our efforts to win in November," Wetterling said.
She didn't say what was in store for herself, although she didn't rule out seeking another office. "Everything's a possibility. That's a great place to be."
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Minnesota's Senate race is among a select few around the country deemed highly competitive. Incumbent Sen. Mark Dayton announced a year ago he would leave office when his single term ends, acknowledging he was having trouble raising money after dipping deep into his personal fortune to pay for his 2000 campaign.
Klobuchar was regarded as the DFL favorite even before Wetterling dropped out. She has a sizable edge in campaign cash and has been getting key endorsements among left-leaning interest groups and politicians.
Political analysts say Friday's development eases pressure on Klobuchar to spend precious dollars now and gives her more time to prepare for a prospective fall campaign.
"It enables the DFL and the Klobuchar campaign to focus more on the development of their message against the Republicans and Mark Kennedy in the fall without having to be distracted by an intramural contest," said Hamline University political science professor Joe Peschek.
He added, "Barring some major development it sure looks like pretty smooth sailing for Amy Klobuchar to get the DFL nomination."
Klobuchar stood at Wetterling's side during the news conference and praised her one-time rival.
"Rather than fighting amongst ourselves, we're going to be fighting for change in Washington," she told reporters after the announcement.
One lingering wildcard is Minneapolis trial attorney Mike Ciresi. He waged a strong Senate campaign in 2000 and hasn't officially ruled out a late entry this year.
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The 2006 door might not be slammed shut for Wetterling, who earned a national reputation as an advocate for children in the years following the 1989 abduction of her son, Jacob.
She has been mentioned as a potential lieutenant governor candidate (Attorney General Mike Hatch, a leading gubernatorial candidate, looked on during the Wetterling speech but ducked out before it ended). And she remains popular among DFL activists in the 6th District, where she cut her political teeth in a 2004 congressional contest that she lost to Kennedy.
