AP Source: Mary Pawlenty Weighs Congressional Bid

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Ex-judge and former Minnesota first lady Mary Pawlenty is weighing a run for Congress in a district that won't have an incumbent on the 2016 ballot.

A person with knowledge of her consideration told The Associated Press on Saturday that the wife of former Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty hasn't set a timetable for deciding. The person insisted on anonymity to disclose private conversations.

Pawlenty would start with broad name recognition and could tap a donor base from her husband's gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. She declined an interview request.

Pawlenty lives in Eagan. Her judgeship covered territory overlapping with much of the politically competitive 2nd Congressional District, which GOP Rep. John Kline represents. He isn't seeking an eighth term. Two Democrats and one Republican are running already with more considering campaigns.