Olson announcement reaction

Monday's announcement by state Rep. Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids, that his marriage is ending, but his gubernatorial campaign is not, is drawing some reaction.

The Des Moines Register's Kathie Obradovich says any momentum Olson's campaign had has been halted:

Over at The Iowa Republican, Craig Robinson says a campaign built largely on Olson's positive, youthful, family-oriented image, rather than policy positions, now has an image problem:

It is harsh, but I think Robinson does get at the toughest question Olson will face  if he carries on. Where are your priorities?

Maybe that's unfair. But the reality is there will be folks on both sides of the aisle, even among Olson's allies, who will wonder why someone would continue a grueling campaign for governor at the same time his personal life is coming apart, and with two young children at the center of the tumult. His friends may gently question his wisdom. His critics will paint it as misguided ambition.

I'm certainly not saying he's disqualified by divorce, but the timing is tough. Perhaps too tough to overcome. It's still too soon to know for sure.

Meanwhile, Olson't potential rivals are smartly saying as little as possible. Gov. Terry Branstad

says he won't comment.