Jim Graves reportedly "being encouraged to run" for Minneapolis mayor [UPDATE]

Graves achieved business success in Minneapolis. Might political success follow?

Congressman Jim Graves didn't work out. Mayor Jim Graves? People close to the hotel magnate are reportedly telling him they like the ring of that.

SEE ALSO: Jim Graves: The City Pages interview

Citing "reliable information," the Minnesota Progressive Project's Dan Burns writes that Graves is "being encouraged to run" for Minneapolis mayor. The next mayor will succeed R.T. Rybak, mayor since 2002, who announced yesterday he won't seek a fourth term.

Graves grew up in the St. Cloud area before founding his luxury-focused Minneapolis-based Graves Hospitality company, which owns the downtown Graves 601 hotel (He previously founded the AmericInn motel chain). He lived in Minneapolis for years before launching his ill-fated campaign against Bachmann and moving back to the 6th District last spring.

Burns' MPP post runs mentions a number of other possible Rybak successors, including Margaret Anderson Kelliher and former City Council member Jackie Cherryhomes.

As we told you yesterday, Council member Betsy Hodges announced she'll run for mayor shortly after R.T.'s announcement. Council member Gary Schiff has filed to run, but hasn't yet said whether he'll follow through.

:::: UPDATE ::::

3:17 p.m. -- Mark Sommerhauser of the St. Cloud Times talked to Graves about the mayoral rumors today. From the sounds of it, Graves is receptive to the encouragement Burns mentioned but has his sights set on national possibilities.

Frmr Bachmann challenger Jim Graves confirms he's been lobbied to run 4 Minneapolis mayor, but says his "interest in more in nat'l politics"

-- Mark Sommerhauser (@msommerhauser) December 28, 2012

Graves says he'll "never say never" on a bid 4 Minneapolis mayor. But he says he hopes another mayoral contender emerges that he can endorse

-- Mark Sommerhauser (@msommerhauser) December 28, 2012