Mark Dayton

Former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton tops a list of six candidates to file paperwork today for 2010 governor runs, The Star Tribune reports. Dayton was elected to the Senate in 2000 and would figure to be the top contender to Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty–if the current governor decides to run for reelection. As of now, Pawlenty has made no announcement on his future plans.

Susan Gaertner

Also on the list of DFL challengers is Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner. Gaertner has been leading the prosecution against the RNC 8, a group that protested at the Republican National Convention and includes University of Minnesota student Max Specktor.