Coleman may challenge Minnesota's Dayton for governor

It's only Jan. 9, 2013. Voters are still catching their breath from a divisive 2012 election. But if you're a political junkie like myself, you know there is no rest for the wicked.

Former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman

On Wednesday, former Republican U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman told the Star Tribune he would not challenge Democratic Sen. Al Franken in 2014. However, he also didn't rule out pursuing other opportunities, including a run for governor.

"I haven't ruled out other things," he said.

Coleman, 63, lost his bid to Franken in 2008 in a bitter and costly election by 312 votes, with a recount and court case that lasted seven months. Currently, he is serving as the chairman and CEO of the American Action Network, a Washington-based think tank promoting center right policies.

The Star Tribune noted that Coleman may not bode well with conservative activists in the Republican Party due to his moderate stances. But with Coleman's name recognition and fundraising abilities, he could become competitive if he were to engage in a primary battle - something Republican activists avoid.

Other candidates being mentioned as possible candidates for governor include Republican state Sen. David Hann of Eden Prairie, Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson, and former Republican state Rep. John Kriesel of Cottage Grove.

Dayton spent the first two years in his first term battling Republican majorities in the Legislature over taxes, social policy, and a new Minnesota Vikings stadium. He is not expected to field any primary challengers.

ESPN just as responsible for Parker's comments

I haven't watched ESPN's "First Take" in months since moving to Minneapolis. I don't have cable and I don't have the desire to watch a program and network who's host is obsessed with New York Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow.

But I guess that discussing Tebow is embracing debate. At least that's the schtick of ESPN's "First Take", where Skip Bayless and another co-host meet on a set, debate a series of topics happening the world of sports, and then turn it into a shouting match in order to attract ratings.

Rob Parker, former ESPN commentator

One of the co-hosts was Rob Parker, who was a baseball analyst for the network, but also provided lively commentary on happenings around the NBA, NCAA, and NFL. And one topic he was never shy about discussing was race.

Parker, who is black, has complained about the NBA's off-court dress policy, along with the lack of African-American coaches around the NFL.

But his recent comments questioning the "blackness" of Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III not only rubbed sports fans the wrong way. It led to a 30-day suspension and eventual termination at ESPN.

Parker set himself up for the negative reaction and regretted putting ESPN in the spotlight for something negative. However, Parker shouldn't be the only person who goes unscathed.

According to Parker, ESPN producers knew what he was going to say prior to the show's taping on Dec. 13. What's worse is that ESPN aired the original episode a second time and then again in a "Best Of" series before finally apologizing for continuing to air the segment.

Now if what Parker said about producers being in on this is accurate, they should also be punished. Perhaps they have and we just don't know it yet. But I also hope that producers come up with better topics and have better analysts for the show to contribute so they're not having to clean up their own mess again and again.