Norm Coleman’s decision not to run for Minnesota governor changes everything.

That leaves only seven Republicans and 12 Democrats still wanting the job.

There are seven people who want to be Mower County Commissioner for the 5th District.

At the very least, this shows a healthy interest in public service.  At the most, it shows a lot of people with time on their hands.  I find myself in the latter group.

Since retiring from the Herald last May, I’ve found myself with more than a little time on my hands, particularly as winter drags onward.

Frequently I find myself pondering the imponderable, such as the future.

I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older. Then, it dawned on me. They were cramming for their finals.

As for me, I’m just hoping God grades on the curve.

The other day I went outside to check on my bike locked in a rack outside Pickett Place.  Only the seat and handlebars were visible in a deep snowdrift.  I went back inside.

Riding the elevator at Pickett Place is fun.

I live on the top (eighth) floor, so I get the longest ride.

Thus far, I’ve resisted the temptation of walking along the hallway to play Ding Dong Ditch, that game where kids ring doorbells and run away before somebody answers the door.  I want to review the terms of my lease before I risk eviction.

During another lull in the action on a cloudy afternoon this week, I rearranged the socks in my sock drawer.

So if having too much leisure time helps prompt so many to run for political office, I qualify.

Former U.S. Senator Coleman put his decision to run for governor to a vote of his family members.  No recount and court battle needed here. The vote was 3-1 to stay out of the race. Only his son wanted him to run for governor.

I decided to do the same and poll my family.

My Pickett Place apartment was crowded last weekend with family to celebrate my great-granddaughter Makayla’s 2nd birthday.

There was pizza, pop, ice cream, cake and chaos.

It was difficult to pose the question amidst the craziness.

The results of my “Should Papa run for office?” poll were inconclusive at best:  3 “yes,” 4 “No” and 2 “Can we jump on your bed?”

I decided to put the question to my son, driver, personal confidant, financial advisor and nutritionist.

I knew I could rely upon him for the best advice.

“Wouldn’t you rather be fire chief, dad?”  He said.

Back to rearranging the sock drawer for me.