Capitol View: April 30, 2010 Archive

Republicans back Anderson on 3rd ballot

Posted at 6:21 AM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010

Minnesota Republicans have endorsed Pat Anderson for state auditor, the office she lost to DFLer Rebecca Otto four years ago after one term.

Republican Party spokesman Mark Drake said Republican endorsed Anderson by acclamation at 1am. She defeated Randy Gilbert and Jeff Witta after three ballots. Another candidate, Tom Conlon, dropped out of the contest before the vote and backed Anderson. Anderson was previously a candidate for governor but switched campaigns in January. During her state GOP convention speech, Anderson accused Otto of mismanagement and promised to expose problems in state government, including an investigation of light rail.

"Light rail has never been subject to the rigors of an investigation and audit, and we're going to get it done," Anderson said.

Here's Anderson's speech to delegates:
Listen

Here's Otto's news release on Anderson:

"I think it will be an important race," Otto said. "We have very clear differences. Pat spent her time in office grandstanding for partisan causes as a self-described 'liberals worse nightmare' while making hundreds of millions of dollars in financial errors. I've done nearly three times as many investigations as she did, and earned the national nonpartisan Excellence in Accountability Award for my work on innovation and efficiency. In tight times, Minnesotans want a State Auditor who delivers excellence and innovation, not a partisan grandstander that makes hundreds of millions of dollars in errors."

Pig hogs the morning spotlight at convention

Posted at 8:39 AM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Taylor Swine was busy greeting delegates this morning at the MNGOP State Party Convention. The pig wore an Emmer for Governor t-shirt that said "Stop the Pork."

His owner, Marjorie Holsten of Maple Grove, called Taylor the only Republican pig in Minnesota because the other pig like to be fed."

Holsten, a delegate who is backing Emmer, said Taylor has been to parades and Tea Party events and is popular among Republicans. She said they have the pig because her husband is allergic to everything and it was either a pig or a snake.

As for the race for Governor, Emmer arrived at the convention at 8 this morning.

"It's David vs. Goliath and David is feeling pretty good about his chances," Emmer said.

Seifert and Emmer touting endorsements

Posted at 9:59 AM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

We're live on the radio this morning from the Republican Party's state party convention. Tune in. We'll also provide updates on the blog and I'll be posting on Twitter.

The gubernatorial campaigns for Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert are handing out campaign literature on the floor touting endorsements.

Emmer has literature that has a picture of Sarah Palin and cite's Palin's full Facebook message that endorses Emmer.

"Tom is in the race for the right reasons - to provide bold principled leadership the will leave Minnesota fiscally stronger," Palin wrote.

Meanwhile, Seifert is handing out literature from GOP state Sen. David Hann. The lit praises Seifert's 100% rating from Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, his efforts to repeal the Profile of Learning Education standards nd his efforts as Minority Leader.

Meanwhile, a Liberty/Tea Party member, Anisha Dunn authored lit that said Emmer has gone "Establishment" because Emmer selected Annette Meeks as his running mate and former GOP Sen. Norm Coleman is making calls on Emmer's behalf.

"This is very, very bad news folks. When Vin Weber and Norm Coleman are backing Tom Emmer you know this is NOT for 'the people," the lit said.

Bachmann urges party unity

Posted at 10:57 AM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

As delegates to the Republican state convention prepared to start voting on the gubernatorial endorsement, 6th District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann urged party unity. Bachmann said delegates should leave the convention united after they decide whether to back Representatives Tom Emmer or Marty Seifert for governor.

Bachmann said the Republican Party needs to come together to fight what she described as a a radical extreme liberal agenda that she says is permeating Washington and state capitols around the country.

"That is furthering an agenda of destroying our country thanks the agenda of the uber liberals in Washington DC. Don't let that be lost in the midst of the rivalry that we're seeing here today."

Bachmann, a tea party favorite has not endorsed Tom Emmer or Marty Seifert. But fellow tea party star Sarah Palin threw her support to Emmer yesterday afternoon.

You can listen to Bachmann's full speech here: Listen

GOP congressional candidates fire up delegates.

Posted at 11:19 AM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

The GOP candidates for Congress have been giving speeches to the GOP delegates.

1st District Repubican Randy Demmer, who is challenging DFL Rep. Tim Walz. Here's Demmer's speech: Listen

8th District Republican Chip Cravaak, who is challenging DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar. Here's Cravaak's speech: Listen

Joel Demos is challenging Congressman Keith Ellison in the fifth district.
Here's Demos' speech: Listen

Pawlenty gets standing ovation...

Posted at 12:15 PM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, Pawlenty travel, Tim Pawlenty

Addressing his final state Republican convention as governor, Tim Pawlenty talked about reducing the scope and cost of government today (FRI). Pawlenty also took a shot at Democrats who last week endorsed Margaret Anderson Kelliher as their gubernatorial candidate at the state DFL convention in Duluth.

Pawlenty got a round of applause from Republican delegates gathered in Minneapolis when he talked about single-payer health care and the DFL gubernatorial endorsement.

"The candidate who dropped out, a couple of the prominent candidates said the reason that they threw their support behind the ultimate endorseed candidates was because she wanted to go further than Obama care and have the government adopt a single payer health care system and take over the entire health care system in Minnesota."

Republicans are set to endorse a candidate for governor at their convention today. The leading candidates are state Representatives Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert.

Here's Pawlenty's speech: Listen

Herwig stresses constitutional principles

Posted at 12:27 PM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Republican Phil Herwig fired up the crowd this morning by telling GOP delegates that he's best equipped to return the state back to core constitutional principles. Herwig also criticized Republican legislators Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert.

The people in the Legislature running for governor have such a shallow understanding of the problems in this state."

Herwig also said he's not just for welfare reform like the other candidates. "I'm for dismantling the welfare state," Herwig said.

Here's his speech: Listen

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Seifert pledges welfare reform if elected governor

Posted at 1:18 PM on April 30, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

State Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, made his case today to the Republican state convention delegates who are poised to endorse a candidate for governor.

Seifert is locked in a tight endorsement contest with state Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano. During his nomination speech, Seifert described a welfare plan that would include work requirements, waiting periods and drug testing.

"If the Legislature refuses to pass fundamental welfare reform, I will veto the welfare bill until we get it," Seifert said.

Here's Seifert's speech: Listen

Emmer: "Republicans are the only hope for a return to prosperity."

Posted at 1:41 PM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Republicans Tom Emmer addressed the delegates with a firey speech and literally ended with some pyrotechnics.

Speaking before a large Emmer hockey jersey on the stage, Emmer told the delegates that "now is the time for a new style of leadership" and called for redesigning government.

Throughout his speech, Emmer stressed sticking to core constitutional principles and mocked critics who called the Republican Party the "party of no."

"There's no shame in saying 'No' to bad ideas," Emmer said.

You can listen to Emmer's speech here: Listen

Haas and Davis speeches

Posted at 2:17 PM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Republicans Bill Haas and Leslie Davis addressed the delegates and urged them to support their campaigns.

Haas told the audience that the state's number one priority should be the budget. He also said he wants to rebuild the state budget from the ground up. He said he wants to also hire independent auditors to look at state spending.

"As your next governor, the first thing we're going to tackle is the budget. The problem with the budget is once you're in, you're always in."

You can listen to the Haas speech here: Listen

Leslie Davis, an environmental activist, urged the delegates to get behind his money plan. He also said he's the best candidate in the race. Davis said he's running in the primary.

"I'll be the greatest governor Minnesota has ever had," Davis said. "For all of us."

Here's his speech: Listen

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Emmer leads

Posted at 3:02 PM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

After the first ballot, Republican Tom Emmer has attracted a little more than half of the vote.

Emmer has 1062 votes (52.6% suppot). Marty Seifert has 859 votes (42.5%). Phil Herwig got 36 votes, Haas has 26 and Davis has 6.

The race is down to Emmer and Seifert since the other candidates didn't meet the 5% threshhold.

Note:

The MNGOP initially reported incorrect numbers. The numbers above are correct.

Candidate reaction from 1st ballot

Posted at 4:16 PM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Tom Emmer said "it was a good first sign" that he received support from 53% of the convention. When asked if he would win on the 2nd ballot, Emmer joked "i'm not a handicapper. I'm a singer and a dancer." Emmer's campaign chair Mark Buesgens said he doesn't think he'll clinch the endorsement on the 2nd ballot but said Emmer is sure to pick up support.

Republican Marty Seifert said he's optimistic that he'll pick up support now that Phil Herwig and Bill Haas are backing him. Seifert also said there are few Emmer supporters who promised to back Emmer on the 1st ballot but are inclined to back Seifert on the 2nd.

"Tim Pawlenty was down on the 1st ballot," Seifert said when asked if he's concerned about Emmer's lead.

Seifert said the results from the 2nd ballot will be critical to his strength at the convention.

Emmer builds on lead

Posted at 4:41 PM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Republican Tom Emmer is building on his lead to win the Republican Party endorsement for governor.

Emmer has 1118 vote (56.%) after the 2nd ballot. Marty Seifert has 786 votes (43.8 %).

Seifert concedes. Emmer wins GOP backing

Posted at 4:47 PM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Seifert just dropped out of the race.

"I am calling on everyone in this room to help elect Tom Emmer the next governor of Minnesota," Seifert abruptly announced to cheers.

"Get your Seifert stickers off and your Emmer stickers on," Seifert said.

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Democrats react to Emmer victory

Posted at 5:39 PM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Margaret Anderson Kelliher, the DFL endorsed candidate for governor, issued a news release that praised Tom Emmer's victory.

"This race for governor is about the people and the future of Minnesota, and I believe voters are ready for honest solutions to the issues we face. I congratulate Tom Emmer on winning the Republican Party endorsement and I look forward to a spirited and civil campaign as we talk to voters all across the state."

But DFL Party Chair Brian Melendez took the gloves off:

"The Republican Party today blessed the more inflammatory of its two leading candidates and, swayed by a last-minute personal appeal from former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, endorsed state representative Tom Emmer as the Republican gubernatorial candidate. Emmer made news last week when he joined other Republican legislators in proposing a state constitutional amendment that would let a legislative minority block federal legislation in Minnesota. He made news this week when he embraced immigration proposals that even staunch conservatives say go too far. And while he was grandstanding for his Tea Party base about wedge issues, Minnesotans continue to struggle with economic hardships amidst historic job losses.

"Minnesota needs balanced leadership founded on strong policy and vision rather than political posturing. Emmer has continually chosen divisive partisan rhetoric over sound policy, choosing to throw temper tantrums on the House floor instead of putting in the hard work and compromise to deliver results for Minnesotans.
"During these difficult economic times, not only has Tom Emmer failed to propose or support a plan for job creation, he has promised to cut jobs in the state workforce. And his record of opposition to jobs bills in the state legislature speaks for itself.

"The last thing Minnesotans need is another four years of failed Republican policies that have saddled our state with a historic budget deficit, raised property taxes on hardworking citizens, and crippled state programs that Minnesotans rely on. We're looking forward to this year's election, and having Margaret Anderson Kelliher make history - and then make policy and help save jobs - as the next governor of Minnesota."

The chair of the Democratic Governor's Asssociation also issued this statement:

"With a last-minute blessing from Sarah Palin, Tom Emmer tonight claimed the Minnesota Republican nomination for governor. Emmer, who has spent his career as a rubberstamp for Tim Pawlenty's reckless management, has promised to continue his irresponsible and disastrous agenda. Whether it's denying health care to veterans or increasing class sizes, Emmer's record is one of putting Tim Pawlenty's agenda before Minnesota families. Minnesotans want more jobs, not more Tim Pawlenty.

Our strong Democratic candidates have a vision for rebuilding Minnesota that embraces the optimism of the people of state. They know that together Minnesotans can strengthen our schools, create good jobs and restore our prosperity."

Democrat Matt Entenza issued this statement:

Today the Republican Party of Minnesota made its choice for governor. I congratulate Rep. Emmer and look forward to a vigorous campaign and contrast of ideas.

Tom and I certainly give voters a clear choice. We cant cut our way to greatness. If Tom Emmer's idea of cutting education and economic development worked, then Mississippi and Alabama would be leading the nation."

"I have a positive vision for keeping the jobs we have and creating new jobs with the clean energy economy. This will give us the revenue to restore our investment in education so that Minnesota becomes number one again.

Emmer speech and GOP reaction

Posted at 6:27 PM on April 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Tom Emmer gave a brief speech to GOP delegates after he won the GOP endorsement. You can listen to it here: Listen

Meanwhile, Republicans are praising Emmer's victory.

Here's a release from Gov. Tim Pawlenty:

"This fall there will be a clear choice between continuing to keep a lid on taxes and spending and fighting for balanced budgets and returning to the high taxes and out of control spending ways of the past. As Minnesota's next Governor, Tom Emmer will bring his common-sense, fiscally responsible approach to St. Paul. I look forward to doing whatever I can to help elect him this fall."

Here's a statement from the chair of the Republican Governor's Association Executive Director Nick Ayers:

"We are confident that Minnesotans will elect Tom Emmer to be the next governor of Minnesota. His platform of fiscal responsibility stands in stark contrast to the Democrats' never-ending quest for higher taxes and runaway spending. Tom Emmer is the only candidate voters will be able to trust with their pocketbooks and that will make the difference in November."