Emmer wants to practice the art of "constitutional government."

Posted at 10:37 PM on April 19, 2010 by Tom Scheck (5 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Republican Tom Emmer outlined his "first principles" speech tonight before a receptive audience of 150 people. During his roughly 30 minuts speech, Emmer says, if elected, he'll return Minnesota to the "art of constitutional government" if he's elected governor.

The state legislator from Delano said those key constitutional priorities are public safety, infrastructure and public education. Emmer also urged a dramatic overhaul of the state's social service and welfare programs - saying he'll "peel back the onion" when it comes to social service programs.

Emmer also took a shot at his key Republican rival, Marty Seifert, who released eight policy papers on issues like the state budget, transportation and education.

"You can talk about policies all day," Emmer said. "We can hire all of the experts from coast to coast and they can put out all kinds of policies for you as to how 'We're going to change this and revamp that.' But you know what? It all starts with those documents. Those founding documents. You must get back to the art of practicing constitutional government."

Emmer is vying for the Republican endorsement with fellow state legislator Marty Seifert of Marshall. Seifert's campaign manager Kurt Daudt said Emmer should have outlined how he'll accomplish his goals.

"People are looking for specifics and we haven't seen specific plans on how he wants to do these things," Daudt said. "He's talked about at times reducing the state budget by up to forty percent. Numbers that seem almost impossible. I think people want to hear specifics on how he plans to do that."

The April 30th Republican endorsing convention will be critical for both Emmer and Seifert since they both pledged to drop out of the race if they don't win party backing. Democrats will meet on Saturday to back their candidate.

Comments (5)

I will sleep well tonight knowing that Emmer will use the Constitution to guide him!

Please, Republicans, nominate this guy!

He'll make Mark Kennedy look like Barack Obama!

Posted by mike from mpls | April 19, 2010 11:06 PM

I wonder how the environment and our natural resources will fare under Gov. Emmer? This guy is seriously deranged.

Posted by Albert | April 20, 2010 8:52 AM

Hey, remember me, the most qualified candidate in the race for governor? See ya at the convention.
Leslie Davis for Governor 2010
www.LeslieDavis.org

Posted by Leslie Davis | April 20, 2010 9:20 AM

Why is someone who wants to govern according to the constitution 'deranged?'
Ignoring the constitution has brought us to the point we're at now. How about we give it a try?

Posted by Alison | April 20, 2010 9:20 AM

He doesn't want to "govern according to the constitution;" he wants to eliminate all social services and environmental programs but doesn't have the guts to say it plainly. He's not "deranged," he's dishonest.

Posted by Trey | April 20, 2010 9:44 AM

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