Capitol View: July 16, 2010 Archive

The 6th District candidates are shaking the money trees

Posted at 11:37 AM on July 16, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

The Washington Post took a look at the fundraising in the race for control of Congress. The report says GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann was the top fundraiser in the U.S. House in the 2nd Quarter. It also says Bachmann's DFL opponent, Tarryl Clark, raised the highest total among Democrats during the same time period.

Kelliher to consider tax breaks for vets only after budget is balanced

Posted at 2:07 PM on July 16, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Democrat Margaret Anderson Kelliher held a news conference today to tout her jobs initiative in North Minneapolis. During the q and a, Kelliher was asked about a proposal that would exempt pensions and military pay from state income taxes. When asked whether she supported the full exemption, Kelliher said as Speaker of the Minnesota House, she pushed to give some tax breaks to veterans and increased combat pay for members of the Minnesota National Guard. But she wasn't as enthusiastic about the idea of supporting a bill that would exempt military pay and pensions for veterans.

Kelliher: "We did the compromise in 2008 which began to address this issue. We provided millions of tax dollar relief for military families and veterans targeted to those who most needed that help in the state of Minnesota. I certainly as governor will certainly consider every policy that will help veterans and their families."

Reporter: "So you're not saying yes or no to the full benefit?"

Kelliher: "I think we have to balance this budget first and then we can consider a lot of things that can help our economy and attract people to the state."

The issue popped up after the Minnesota Republican Party criticized one of Kelliher's DFL Primary opponents, Mark Dayton, for saying he wouldn't support the measure. Dayton said he supports veterans and their current benefits but can't support tax cuts while trying to deal with a nearly $6 billion budget deficit. The Minnesota Department of Revenue estimates the tax break would cost the state $20 million a year.

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Weber joins the Demmer campaign

Posted at 4:57 PM on July 16, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, Tim Pawlenty

Vin Weber is having a busy 2010 in Minnesota. He chairs Gov. Pawlenty's Freedom First PAC. He also announced his support for Republican Tom Emmer's campaign for governor. Today, Weber announced he's chair Republican Randy Demmer's campaign for Congress. Weber, who once represented Minnesota's 1st District before becoming a lobbyist at Clark and Weinstock, said in a news release that Demmer can defeat DFL Rep. Tim Walz in November.

"Randy Demmer is going to win, because he knows what Southern Minnesota needs - he has lived and worked here his whole life. I know he's got what it takes to stand up to Washington, and truly serve and represent the people in his District," said Weber. "Voters are rightfully concerned with the direction that this Congress and Administration are taking our country. Whether it's the cap and trade tax, the government takeover of health care, or the accumulation of trillions of dollars of new debt, the people of Southern Minnesota will vote this fall for new leadership and a new direction."

Demmer praised Weber as understanding southern Minnesota. Demmer also announced Scott Cottington, former Bachmann fundraiser Zandra Walcott and Marty Seifert for governor political director Ben Zierke.

Richard Carlbom, with the Walz campaign, was quick to criticize the hires on Twitter.

"Surprise! Typical politician @Randy_Demmer picks DC insiders & super-lobbyist Weber. Courting GOP stars b-4 he gets to town! #weneedleaders"

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