Capitol View: August 2010 Archive

League of Women Voters/KSTP debate

Posted at 9:47 PM on August 1, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Democrats Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Mark Dayton and Matt Entenza took part in the final televised debate before the August 10th primary. You can watch the full debate at KSTP's site or listen to it here: Listen

The next debate will feature the three Democrats, Republican Tom Emmer and I-P candidates Tom Horner and Rob Hahn. It's at FarmFest in Redwood Falls on Wednesday. You can listen to that debate on MPR's Midday on Thursday at noon.

The final DFL debate will be live on Sunday night the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. It will also be broadcast on MPR.

Kelliher on Midday

Posted at 10:09 AM on August 2, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Democrat Margaret Anderson Kelliher will be on MPR's Midday today at 11am.

Democrat Matt Entenza will be on the show tomorrow at 11 am.

Democrat Mark Dayton will be on Midday on Thursday at 11am.

The Independence Party candidates Tom Horner and Rob Hahn will be on the show on Monday.

Republican Tom Emmer, who is not facing a significant primary opponent, will be on the show after the primary.

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MNGOP goes after Dayton in web ad

Posted at 10:42 AM on August 2, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The Republican Party of Minnesota has released a web ad criticizing Democrat Mark Dayton over his family's contributions to The Alliance for a Better Minnesota. MNGOP Chair Tony Sutton released a statement pointing out the contributions from Dayton's family members.

"According to recent reports, Dayton's ultra- rich family members have already donated $851,000 to the shadowy front groups Win Minnesota and the 2010 Fund, which then funnel their campaign cash in support of the Alliance for a Better Minnesota's attack ads against Tom Emmer. Every day that passes in which Dayton refuses to denounce the attack ads funded by his family that the press have called 'false' and 'misleading' will be another day that Minnesotans will hold him personally responsible for this avalanche of negative personal attacks against Tom Emmer."

The criticism comes at the same time that gay rights groups and Democrats are criticizing Target Corporation's donation to MN Forward, a group that is backing Republican Tom Emmer.

When I wrote about these donations a few weeks ago, Dayton released a statement saying his family members are allowed to give to any group or candidate that they choose and he has no influence over those decisions.

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Kelliher's Midday appearance

Posted at 1:01 PM on August 2, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Democrat Margaret Anderson Kelliher appeared on MPR's Midday earlier today. Here's the full show: Listen

Don't blame Pat if Sharon wins

Posted at 1:04 PM on August 2, 2010 by Tim Pugmire (3 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010

Pat Anderson, the Republican candidate for state auditor, wants to make sure primary voters don't confuse her with Sharon Anderson, a GOP candidate for attorney general.

Sharon Anderson is a perennial candidate with a familiar Minnesota surname who's running against Chris Barden, the Republican endorsed candidate. She defeated a GOP endorsed candidate for the same office in 1994.

Pat Anderson is trying to win back the office she lost four years ago to DFLer Rebecca Otto. Pat Anderson does not have a primary challenge. Still, she does not want a repeat of 1994 and sent out the following warning today to supporters:

"Because none of the four candidates running for state auditor have a primary challenge from within their respective parties, there is no primary race for state auditor and it is not on the ballot," Pat Anderson wrote. "That means that the only Anderson on the primary ballot for a constitutional office is Chris Barden's opponent. Because of this, there is concern people may confuse the Andersons and inadvertently vote for Sharon Anderson. Please tell everyone you know to support Chris Barden, not Sharon Anderson in the primary."

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Entenza drops another $620k on the race

Posted at 1:13 PM on August 2, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Democrat Matt Entenza has filed a notice with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board that he's given his campaign another $620,000 on July 30th. The donation comes on top of the $450,000 Entenza gave to the campagin on July 22nd. He has spent more than $4.5 million of his own money on the race. That's more than Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty spent on his 2006 campaign.

Entenza, who is vying with Mark Dayton and Margaret Anderson Kelliher in the August 10th primary, has been criticized in recent days because of his spending. Kelliher said Entenza's campaign strategy was "astroturf" because it relied on his personal wealth. She called on him to disclose his tax returns and family income. Entenza's wife, Lois Quam, made millions when she worked for health insurer UnitedHealth Group.

Entenza's campaign released a statement saying Kelliher is attacking the Entenza campaign staffers and volunteers who work for his campaign.

Hahn releases TV ad

Posted at 1:24 PM on August 2, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Rob Hahn announced today that he's running a TV ad on cable TV. The ad, which plays off of the bionic man TV show, characterizes him as the $6 billion man. His son narrates the video.

Hahn declined to say how much he intends to spend on the ad campaign but said there will be more than thirty spots. Hahn's campaign finance reports showed the campaign was running a deficit when the reporting period ended on July 19th.

Hahn is running against Tom Horner in the Independence Party primary. Horner is the party's endorsed candidate.

Bachmann and Kline won't be at FarmFest

Posted at 2:03 PM on August 2, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The organizers of this year's FarmFest Congressional panel say GOP Rep. John Kline and GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann won't be at this year's forum. The event, which takes place tomorrow, is an annual opportunity for the candidates and members of Congress to talk ag issues with the state's farming community. Dan Powers, the DFL endorsed candidate in Minnesota's 2nd District, also isn't scheduled to attend.

Update: A spokewoman for Kline says he can't attend this year because of a scheduling conflict.

Update: A spokeswoman for Bachmann says Bachmann had hoped to attend but canceled in light of Bachmann's illness.

The lineup is mostly dominated with candidates in Minnesota's 1st and 7th Districts.

Here's the list:

From the 7th District:
DFL Rep. Collin Peterson
Republican Lee Byberg
Republican Alan Roebke
Independence Party member Glen Menze

From the 1st District:
DFL Rep. Tim Walz
Republican Randy Demmer
Independence Party member Steven Wilson

From the 6th District:
DFLer Tarryl Clark

From the 2nd District:
DFLer Shelley Madore

Entenza's Midday appearance

Posted at 12:10 PM on August 3, 2010 by Mike Mulcahy
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

DFL gubernatorial candidate Matt Entenza was on MPR's Midday program today. Here's the entire program:

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Walz and Demmer trade attacks, Peterson vows flat Ag budget

Posted at 3:10 PM on August 3, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

Today's FarmFest forum near Redwood Falls featured the candidates for Congress. The most heated exchanges came between DFL Rep. Tim Walz and his Republican challenger Randy Demmer. Demmer attacked Walz for his vote on climate changing legislation, calling it "cap and tax." He received applause after saying the legislation would make it more expensive on businesses and farmers. Demmer said after the forum that Walz says one thing to his constituents but does another when he's in Washington D.C.

"He votes for all of the appropriations bills and all of the spending to do it," Demmer said. He supported the stimulus, he supported the cap and trade bill. He supported the takeover of the health care bill. All of those things add costs."

Walz countered that he backed the legislation because he's looking for ways to make the country less dependent on foreign countries for energy. Walz said Demmer is surrounding himself with special interests like Vin Weber. He said people should consider how Demmer might vote on issues like energy.

"The person advising my opponent is the lobbyist for Exxon/Mobil. I can't stress that enough," Walz said. "That's fine but that's going to be your perspective. I'm being advised by these folks (people are FarmFest)."

While Demmer and Walz were taking aim at each other, DFL Rep. Collin Peterson was taking aim at his colleagues in Washington D.C. Peterson, who chairs the House Agricultural Committee, said he intends to not add any more money to next year's Farm Bill. He said he hopes other members of Congress are as fiscally disciplined.

Peterson also criticized the Environmental Protection Agency for being too aggressive on issues that impact farmers.

"The EPA is out of control," Peterson said. "I'd like to cut their budget in half if I could."

Peterson also said there's "good and bad" in the recently passed health care overhaul bill. He voted against because he believed it spent too much money. One of his Republican opponents, Lee Byberg, said the entire bill should be replaced. He said Peterson needs to take a stronger stand against the bill.

"In the beginning, he was against it, now he is stating that he's not going to work to replace it," Byberg said. "I think we have to replace it to remain competitive and produce good health care for the future."

FarmFest invited the candidates in Minnesota's 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th Districts to attend the forum. Republican incumbents Michele Bachmann and John Kline both declined to attend.

I'll post the full audio of the forum later tonight.

FarmFest is scheduled to feature six of the candidates for governor on Wednesday. Democrats Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Mark Dayton and Matt Entenza will take the stage with Republican Tom Emmer and Independence Party candidates Tom Horner and Rob Hahn.

Hahn talks on Morning Edition

Posted at 10:03 AM on August 4, 2010 by Mike Mulcahy
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Indpendence Party gubernatorial candidate Rob Hahn was in the MPR studios this morning to talk to Cathy Wurzer. If you missed the interview here it is:

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PoliGraph: Entenza wrong on Emmer's education record

Posted at 11:30 AM on August 4, 2010 by Catharine Richert (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, PoliGraph

DFL hopeful Matt Entenza says he'll pull Minnesota out of No Child Left Behind if he's governor - and that his Republican opponent, Tom Emmer, won't.

"George Bush's No Child Left Behind is hurting our kids," states a voice over in a recent Entenza television ad. "Tom Emmer supports Bush's failed policy."

In fact, Emmer's never been a fan of the controversial testing program.

The Evidence

Entenza's campaign says Emmer voted against a plan to drop No Child Left Behind in 2008. And at first blush, it would seem that way.

But parliamentary maneuvering on the House floor muddied the intent of the amendment Emmer voted against. It didn't just end the program; it contained other unrelated provisions.

In early 2009, Emmer co-sponsored a bill that would have prevented implementation of No Child Left Behind.

Later that year, Emmer told Minnesota Public Radio that he opposes No Child Left Behind.

"I object to the federal government having any law that tells the state of Minnesota, more importantly parents of children in the state of Minnesota, this is how your schools are going to be run," he said on Dec. 11, 2009.

Emmer supports holding teachers accountable, spokesman Bill Walsh said. He just doesn't think the federal government should tell the state how to do it.

The Verdict

Emmer has made clear that he's opposed to No Child Left Behind. Notwithstanding the vote against the muddied House floor amendment, Entenza's claim is false.

Sources

Matt Entenza for Governor, education television ad, accessed Aug. 3, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio News, Interview with Tom Emmer, Dec. 11, 2009

Minnesota Public Radio News, Votetracker: Withdraw from No Child Left Behind, accessed Aug. 2, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio News, No love for NCLB in race for governor, by Tim Pugmire, Dec. 11, 2009

Minnesota House of Representatives, House File 614, accessed Aug. 3, 10

Minnesota House of Representatives, Journal of the House, April 28, 2008

Interview, Bill Walsh, spokesman, Tom Emmer, Aug. 3, 2010

Interview, Jeremy Drucker, spokesman, Matt Entenza, Aug. 2, 2010

Interview David Strom, research director, Tom Emmer, Aug. 3, 2010

More

The Humphrey Institute

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Carney to GOP: nominate me and I'll quit

Posted at 11:21 AM on August 4, 2010 by Tim Pugmire (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Longshot Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Carney is offering an unusual plan to remind voters that there's also a GOP primary on Aug. 10.

Carney is running against Tom Emmer, the endorsed Republican candidate for governor. Frequent candidates Leslie Davis and Ole Savior are also on the GOP primary ballot.

During a State Capitol news conference today, Carney urged voters to reject Emmer and support him instead. Carney said if he wins the primary, he would agree to withdraw as a candidate, but only if the state Republican party selected a new, moderate candidate.

"I think we need to make the primary a referendum on Tom Emmer," Carney said. "His candidacy has proven to be disastrous."

Minnesota GOP spokesman Mark Drake said the party remains united behind Tom Emmer, and he doesn't know anyone who takes Carney or anything he says seriously.

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FarmFest audio

Posted at 9:27 PM on August 4, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

I finally uploaded the audio from the two candidate forums at FarmFest.

Don't feel like being stuck to the computer? That's ok. MPR's Midday will also air the gubernatorial forum Thursday at noon.

The gubernatorial forum featured (from left to right on your radio dial):

Democrat Mark Dayton
Democrat Margaret Anderson Kelliher
Independence Party candidate Tom Horner
Republican Tom Emmer
Democrat Matt Entenza
Independence Party candidate Rob Hahn

You can listen to the forum here:
Listen

Listen

Listen

Listen

The congressional forum featured (from left to right on your radio dial):

From Minnesota's 7th Congressional District:
DFL Rep. Collin Peterson
Republican Lee Byberg
Republican Alan Roebke
Indepencence Party candidate Glen Menze

From Minnesota's 1st Congressional District:
DFL Rep. Tim Walz
Republican Randy Demmer
Independence Party candidate Steven Wilson

From Minnesota's 6th Congressional District:
Democrat Tarryl Clark

From Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District:
Democrat Shelley Madore

You can listen to the forum here:
Listen

Listen

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Dayton on Midday

Posted at 8:30 AM on August 5, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Democrat Mark Dayton will be on MPR's Midday today at 11am. You can listen to it on the radio or online.

Midday will also air Wednesday's FarmFest Forum that featured six of the candidates for governor. That show is scheduled for noon.

MPR's Morning Edition interviews Tom Horner

Posted at 8:32 AM on August 5, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

MPR Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer interviewed Independence Party gubernatorial hopeful Tom Horner this morning. Horner says he wants to lower the state's corporate tax and the state sales tax but broaden the sales tax to clothing and personal services. You can read a story about it here.

Here's the full interview: Listen

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Students worried about turnout in Primary election

Posted at 12:38 PM on August 5, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

Several members of the Minnesota Public Interest Research Group held a news conference at the State Capitol today to call for the state of Minnesota to change the state's primary date to May or June. The students argued that an August Primary makes things harder for college students to vote. In particular, students who are registered to vote in Minnesota but live in another state during the summer break may have some difficulty voting absentee.

Carleton College student Ben Hellerstein says he asked the Carlton College Dean of Students, Rice County Election officials and the Secretary of State's office couldn't tell him how a student is supposed to fill out the address on their absentee ballot. He said many students live in different residences in the Spring and Fall semester. Hellerstein says he lives at Carleton during the summer but says it's been unclear how he should advise other students.

"In my experience in just educating students as to how they can participate is practically impossible," Hellerstein said. "It's hard for me to imagine that turnout in an August primary when people are off campus and when there hasn't been a clear source of information about how people can participate, can be anywhere near as high as participation in previous years."

This is the first year that Minnesota's primary has been moved to August. It's been a source of frustration for the campaigns and political parties. As MPR's Tim Pugmire points out, turnout is expected to be low.

An official with the Minnesota Secretary of State's office was unavailable to comment. I'll post his response when it's available. John Aiken, spokesman for Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, says students who don't have an established residency at the time of the primary won't be able to vote on August 10th.

Clark suggests Bachmann has an eye on White House

Posted at 12:40 PM on August 5, 2010 by Tom Scheck (8 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

Democrat Tarryl Clark's campaign for Congress sent out a fundraising e-mail to supporters today suggesting that Bachmann is considering a run for the White House in 2012. Clark's campaign manager Zach Radvold suggested Bachmann may be a 2012 contender as a way to raise money for her campaign.

Michele Bachmann could be a presidential candidate in 2012.

Will you help us put a stop to her blind ambition by donating today?

Bachmann said she would run for president if she felt called to it, and said in another interview that it's not what she's doing "right now" - leaving the door wide open. She remarked recently to FOX News that her supporters want her to run for president. And Bachmann's multiple trips to Iowa prompted Politico to report:

"Bachmann has been receiving a little attention in conservative circles as a potential presidential candidate in 2012. And like so many other Republicans seeking a national profile, an early trip to Iowa, with its first-in-the-nation caucus, provides an opportunity to test-drive her presidential appeal."

There's no doubt that Bachmann has been working diligently to raise her national profile, recently appointing herself the head of the Tea Party in Congress and forming a national fundraising PAC to help right-wing candidates around the country. And in the past few weeks alone, Bachmann has popped up in Michigan, Missouri, New York, and Nevada.

Michele Bachmann is clearly not interested in the job she's already been elected to do...

Clark's campaign has been working furiously to show Bachmann is out of touch with Minnesota and is more interested in building her national profile. This fundraising letter is another attempt to drive that home.

Bachmann's campaign manager didn't yet respond to questions on the Clark campaign's e-mail. I'll post one if/when she responds.

Andy Parrish, Senior Adviser to Congresswoman Michele Bachmann issued this statement in response to the e-mail:

No one in Congress works as hard for their constituents as Michele Bachmann does and the people of the 6th district know it.

This is just another shameful attack on Michele.

This last year Michele Bachmann had two parents die, one of pancreatic cancer and one of alzheimer's and Tarryl Clark's shameful response was to viciously lash at Michele for missing votes while Michele was literally holding her stepmother's hand at her bedside as she passed away.

Recently, Michele was admitted to the hospital; a normal response would be of concern for the Congresswoman, but Tarryl's response again is to attack her and try to use it to raise money, Tarryl Clark is shameful.

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Target CEO apologizes for donation to MN Forward

Posted at 12:58 PM on August 5, 2010 by Tom Scheck (29 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel today apologized to Target employees for donating funds to a group that is backing Republican Tom Emmer's bid for governor. In the letter, Steinhafel wrote that the company will create a review of their political donations and will also bring together a group of companies to discuss ways to improve GLBT relations.

Target has been heavily criticized for donating to MN Forward, an independent expenditure group that is backing Emmer's campaign for governor. Democrats and gay rights groups called for a boycott of the group.

Here's the full letter:

Civic Activity A Message From Gregg Steinhafel, Chairman, President and CEO

8/5/2010

Dear Target Leaders,

I have heard from many of you, and our team members, over the past week regarding Target's contribution to MN Forward, and I appreciate your engagement and candor, both of which clearly demonstrate your loyalty and passion for our company.

In situations like this, it is often difficult to find the right words, but I would like to respond with the same honesty you have shown me.

The intent of our political contribution to MN Forward was to support economic growth and job creation. While I firmly believe that a business climate conducive to growth is critical to our future, I realize our decision affected many of you in a way I did not anticipate, and for that I am genuinely sorry.

We remain fully committed to fostering an environment that supports and respects the rights and beliefs of all individuals. The diversity of our team is an important aspect of our unique culture and our success as a company, and we did not mean to disappoint you, our team or our valued guests.

Going forward, we will soon begin a strategic review and analysis of our decision-making process for financial contributions in the public policy arena. And later this fall, Target will take a leadership role in bringing together a group of companies and partner organizations for a dialogue focused on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including GLBT issues.

Thank you for sharing your input and for your continued commitment to making Target an even stronger company.

Sincerely,
Gregg Steinhafel
Chairman, President and CEO

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Kelliher, DFL launch GOTV effort

Posted at 1:41 PM on August 5, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Supporters of gubernatorial candidate Margaret Anderson Kelliher rallied today outside DFL party headquarters in St. Paul to launch a big get-out-the-vote effort.

Campaign volunteers are planning to make nearly 300-thousand phone calls in the coming days and knock on more than 30-thousand doors on behalf of Kelliher, who has the DFL party endorsement. She's in a tight August 10th primary contest against Mark Dayton and Matt Entenza. During the rally, Kelliher said she's counting on the strength of the DFL's grassroots organization.

"When we win on Tuesday it won't be because of the ads we put up on TV," Kleliher said. "It won't be because of how many pieces of mail we sent out. No, it will be because of the hard work of people, because of the people power."

All three candidates will be traveling throughout the state in the coming days.

Entenza hits back at Kelliher in TV ad

Posted at 1:45 PM on August 5, 2010 by Tim Pugmire (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

DFL gubernatorial candidate Matt Entenza is using one of his final TV ad before the Aug. 10 primary to respond to what he describes as "attacks" from Margaret Anderson Kelliher.

Kelliher, the DFL endorsed candidate for governor, has criticized Entenza for proposing that Minnesota cuts ties to the federal No Child Left Behind law. She says the state cannot afford to lose any federal education funding. Entenza insists the state could pull out of NCLB without losing money.

Campaign manager, Dave Colling, says the ad is a positive response and lays out Entenza's position.

"These attacks have been coming not just at the debates, but they've been coming on the phones, they've been coming when folks are going out door to door, just throughout the entire campaign," Colling said. "So, we felt at this late hour, the best way to respond would be through a TV ad."

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Corporate money helping legislative candidates too

Posted at 2:25 PM on August 5, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Campaign 2010, MN Legislature

MN Forward, a new business-backed group that's using corporate donations to support political candidates, has announced its first list of favored state legislative candidates.

MN Forward plans to send out literature in support of three Republicans and three DFL candidates. Here is the list:

SENATE CANDIDATES
Senator Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka) - Senator Bonoff was chief author of Senate File 2757, a key piece of education reform that would have allowed Minnesota to offer alternative programs like Teach For America and allow mid-career professionals a pathway into the teaching profession for school districts and students struggling to close the achievement gap.

Rep. Doug Magnus (R-Slayton) - Rep. Magnus is seeking the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Jim Vickerman. Rep. Magnus has served as the ranking member on the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Finance Division and has been a strong voice for spending reform.

Senator Jim Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul) - As chair of the Senate Business, Industry and Jobs Committee, Senator Metzen regularly seeks the input of the business community on issues that would impact job providers. Senator Metzen also serves as President of the Minnesota Senate.

HOUSE CANDIDATES
Rep. Gene Pelowski (DFL-Winona) - Rep. Pelowski broke ranks with his party and voted against a $1 billion tax increase in 2009 and against a veto override attempt on the same bill. That year he had the highest ranking on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce scorecard of any DFL House member.

Rep. Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove) - Rep. Zellers has been a consistent supporter of job providers. He received a 100 on the Minnesota Chamber scorecard in 2010 and a 92 in 2009. He has also been an outspoken supporter of key education reforms like alternative licensure.

Doug Wardlow (R-Eagan) - Doug Wardlow is an attorney with the Minneapolis firm Parker Rosen. He was valedictorian of his Eagan High School class and received a B.A. and J.D. from Georgetown University. His campaign has focused on improving Minnesota's job climate.

Horner makes case for corporate support

Posted at 9:54 AM on August 6, 2010 by Tim Pugmire (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Indpendence Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner is trying to convince leaders of the business-back group MN Forward that he deserves their support.

MN Forward is using corportae donations to run ads on behalf of Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. The group also announced yesterday that it is backing three GOP and three DFL legislative candidates, "who support reforms that strengthen our workforce and improve our ability to create jobs and economic opportunity."

Horner sent the following letter to Brian McClung of MN Forward:

Dear Brian:

Here I am.

MN Forward is seeking to support candidates of any stripe who are pro-business. That's me. In fact, I think I am the MOST pro-business candidate in this year's gubernatorial race. Of course, maybe we define pro-business a bit differently. I think a pro-business candidate is one who supports an economic environment in which start-up businesses can flourish, well-paying jobs are being created in the private sector, and Minnesota is seen as a great place for all businesses -- those already here and those we want to attract -- because it's a great place to live.

You see, I think the business climate in Minnesota isn't just about which candidate will cut spending the most or who has the most strident anti-tax rhetoric. But for Minnesota to flourish -- for ALL Minnesotans to do well -- the state needs the kind leadership that successful business leaders understand: the importance of investing in people and making our state one in which the hard work of all people is rewarded, the talents of everyone are respected and the opportunities for all people are not capped by prejudice.

So here's my pro-business agenda:

Balance the budget. This will take hard decisions and significant spending cuts. It also will take the discipline other candidates have lacked to say NO to special interests, even if YES might buy some short-term political cover.

Reform a tax system that is out-of-date and suppresses job creation. I am the only candidate who is proposing a comprehensive package of tax reform -- reducing taxes on job creation while raising the revenue needed to invest in Minnesota's future.

Invest in Minnesota's future. We will be the knowledge state in my administration -- a state that makes early learning a priority so that all children enter school prepared for success. We will invest in lifelong learning, from cradle to grave. Along with education, Minnesota needs to once again make smart investments in health and our state's infrastructure. It was noteworthy that at FarmFest -- talking to the drivers of one of our state's most important industries -- I was the only candidate who highlighted the need to invest in rail and 10-ton roads. A great harvest (or great manufactured products or great anything) loses its value if we can't get it to market.

Make applied and basic research at the University of Minnesota and our other institutions of higher learning a state priority. Minnesota must be a leader in innovation, new ideas and cutting-edge technologies. If we follow my tax proposals, research becomes the engine for ideas to come to market creating Minnesota businesses and Minnesota jobs.

Revitalize our communities. I've proposed a five-point plan to strengthen Minnesota's rural communities, making sure that every person in every community has the opportunity to prosper.
Streamline the regulatory and permitting process. In my administration, every permit request will be resolved in six months. Guaranteed.

Attract the best talent pool in the nation. Ultimately, Minnesota's greatest strength -- and our greatest pro-business asset -- are our people. We need to be a state that welcomes diversity.

That's my agenda, and I'm eager to compare it to the Minnesota agenda of any other candidate.

Sincerely,

Tom Horner

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Changes to Emmer's team?

Posted at 12:22 PM on August 6, 2010 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

There appears to be a shakeup at Tom Emmer's campaign for governor. A source says Tom Mason, who served as a consultant to Emmer, quit the campaign yesterday. There also appears to be more changes coming. Several sources say Emmer is looking to bring in someone to direct the campaign. The name hasn't been finalized yet but it appears the name being mentioned the most is Cullen Sheehan. Sheehan currently serves as Chief of Staff for Republicans in the Minnesota Senate.

Prior to that, Sheehan served as campaign manager to Norm Coleman's Senate campaign in 2008 against Democrat Al Franken. That race

A source says Emmer's team is meeting this afternoon to discuss the situation. Calls to many members of Emmer's campaign team haven't been returned. His campaign spokesman, Bill Walsh, responded to an e-mail I sent him earlier this morning with this:

"No shakeup here today."

I'll post more info as it becomes available.

Update:
Walsh called back and said that Mason is heading back to his private public relations firm and will still advise the campaign. He also said the campaign has been working for weeks to make an addition but couldn't say who that person is.

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Bonoff: Thanks for the endorsement but....

Posted at 3:18 PM on August 6, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010

DFL state Sen. Terri Bonoff issued a statement today thanking MN Forward for endorsing her campaign. But she said she was concerned about the influence of money in politics.

MN Forward is an independent expenditure group that is backing Democrats and Republicans who are committed to low taxes and education reform. The group is funded through the corporate dollars of Minnesota businesses.

Bonoff said she's concerned that corporate money will "drown out the voice of the people who are supposed to be deciding our elections.

Here's the full statement from Bonoff:

"I have always worked hard to maintain a constructive relationship with the business community that puts the needs of our state first. I'm also proud to have a voting record that reflects my commitment to equal rights for the gay and lesbian community, opportunity for working families, and the importance of a high-quality education.

"I am, however, concerned about the effect of the Supreme Court ruling in the Citizens United case, which opened the door to direct corporate spending in political campaigns. This new influx of money, combined with self-financing millionaire candidates, threatens to drown out the voice of the people who are supposed to be deciding our elections.

"I remain committed to Minnesota's long-standing and proud tradition of campaign finance laws that give everyone a fair chance to have their voice heard and force candidates to focus precious resources on the issues that matter most. I will continue working to defend these laws in the Legislature and call on the members of our state's federal delegation to provide the leadership we need on this issue in Washington."

PoliGraph: Kelliher right on school spending claim

Posted at 5:10 PM on August 6, 2010 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, PoliGraph

In a July 20, 2010, Minnesota Public Radio debate, DFL gubernatorial hopefuls Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Mark Dayton sparred over the state's K-12 funding record.

Dayton said that in inflation adjusted dollars, funding for schools had declined.
Kelliher disagreed.

"In the four years that I've been Speaker, we have increased funding for K-12 education by $1.6 billion," she said.

Kelliher's correct. Education spending did rise while she was House speaker.

The Evidence

Ask Kelliher's campaign where they get their numbers, and they'll point to Minnesota Management and Budget's annual forecast.

In the 2006-2007 biennium, schools got about $12.75 billion in state aid. In the 2012-2013 biennium, funding will have increased by $1.6 billion to $14.35.

Budget experts noted that school funding figures for the next budget cycle are merely projections; the Legislature may very well approve a different level of funding.

Nevertheless, funding for K-12 has increased by $1.6 billion cumulatively since Kelliher became House Speaker in 2007.

The Verdict

Cumulatively, Kelliher is correct that the Legislature has increased school funding by $1.6 billion under her watch.

Kelliher gets a passing grade on this education spending claim.

Sources

Minnesota Public Radio News, Midmorning, July 20, 2010

Minnesota Management and Budget, Price of Government, accessed Aug. 5, 2010

Minnesota Management and Budget, General Fund, Fund Balance Analysis: February 2007 Forecast, accessed Aug. 6, 2010

Minnesota Management and Budget, General Fund, Fund Balance Analysis: November 2006 Forecast, accessed Aug. 6, 2010

Minnesota Management and Budget, General Fund, Fund Balance Analysis: End of 2010 Legislative Session, Aug. 6, 2010

Minnesota Management and Budget, General Fund, Fund Balance Analysis: November 2009 Forecast, accessed Aug. 6, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio News, Pawlenty uses stimulus money to reverse budget cuts, by Tim Pugmire, March 17, 2009

Some DFLers buck party rule

Posted at 10:00 AM on August 7, 2010 by Tim Pugmire (3 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

When DFL leaders stripped the party endorsement from state Sen. Satveer Chaudhary, DFL-Fridley, they highlighted an obscure rule prohibiting the support of non-endorsed candidates.

But some other legislators are doing the same thing with no apparent repercussions. For example, State Rep. Tim Mahoney, DFL-St. Paul and Rep. Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona, are both publicly supporting Matt Entenza for governor.

Chaudhary's problems mainly stemmed from his end-of-session efforts to pass new fishing rules for the northern Minnesota lake where he owns a cabin. But in making their case against Chaudhary, officials in Senate District 50 also used his public support of Mark Dayton for governor, rather than DFL-endorsed Margaret Anderson Kelliher.

They cited this party bylaw:

If a candidate who has been endorsed by a unit of the DFL
Party gives personal endorsement, financial assistance, or other
public support or public assistance to any candidate running against a
DFL-endorsed candidate for any public office, or engages in any
other act of malfeasance or nonfeasance, the central committee of the
unit that endorsed that candidate may revoke the endorsement by a
two-thirds majority vote of the members eligible to vote, following
the procedures in the Bylaw under Article III, Section 17.

Several DFL elected officials who were supporting other candidates fell in line behind Kelliher once she had won the party endorsement. Mahoney and Pelowski were among those who did not.

"I had been an early supporter of Matt Entenza for governor," Mahoney said. "It would have been uncharacteristic of me to switch or to quiet down or to switch allegiances just because someone else got the endorsement."

Mahoney, who recently sent out a letter on behalf of Entenza's campaign, said he's received very little criticism for his position.

"I've only had one person say I'll vote for anyone but you," Mahoney said.

It's been a rougher road for Pelowski, who had to fight off a labor-backed endorsement challenge for his House District 31A seat. But Pelwoski hasn't backed off his support of Enetnza.

"I think Matt's got the type of leadership skills that we need now in Minnesota," Pelowski said. "I think it's been clear to folks for the last two years that I've been working with Matt."

Minnesota DFL Party Chairman Brian Melendez downplayed the rule breaking.

"I know that all those legislators are going to be supporting our endorsed candidate by Wednesday, if not sooner, Melendez said. "So we'll wait until Wednesday."

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More changes coming to Emmer's campaign

Posted at 2:03 PM on August 7, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Republican Tom Emmer is set to hire veteran campaign staffer Cullen Sheehan to run his campaign for governor, a source with knowledge of the discussion tells MPR News. The person said the announcement will be made soon. Emmer's campaign spokesman Bill Walsh said the campaign doesn't have anything official to announce.

The decision comes two days after Emmer's consultant, Tom Mason, quit the campaign to go back to his private public relations business. It also comes after Republican Party leaders have questioned the direction of Emmer's campaign. Some wondered why Emmer kept the tip credit issue in the news for two weeks. Others worry that his primary fundraising report shows that Emmer isn't raising enough money to compete with two of the Democrats who have already spent millions of their own money on the race.

Discussions about the hire have prompted deep disagreement internally on the direction of the campaign. Walsh has characterized any hires as "additions" to the campaign but others say Sheehan is being brought in because the campaign needs a "full scale shake-up."

Sheehan will be expected to right the ship. He will leave his position as Chief of Staff for the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus. Prior to that, he ran Norm Coleman's U.S. Senate campaign in 2008. That race with Democrat Al Franken prompted an eight month recount in which Franken won by 312 votes.

The hire comes just three days before the August 10th primary. Emmer isn't facing a significant primary challenge but he still isn't sure who he'll face in November. Three Democrats, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Mark Dayton and Matt Entenza, are vying for their party's nomination.

Tom Horner and Rob Hahn are vying for the Independence Party nomination.

Emmer shakes up campaign

Posted at 2:48 PM on August 7, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Republican Tom Emmer has shaken up his campaign for governor. His campaign for governor sent out a news release saying Cullen Sheehan will run the campaign. The campaign will also have a new team of "senior advisors" led by Chris Georgacas.

Here's the full release:

Tom Emmer, the Republican-endorsed candidate for governor, announced today that he is reorganizing his campaign in preparation for the general election phase of the race.

Emmer announced new campaign leadership. Cullen Sheehan will become the campaign manager; and a new team of senior advisors, chaired by Chris Georgacas, will set strategy and provide oversight.

"I am very grateful to all the volunteers and staff who earlier helped me win the party endorsement and built the campaign to this point," Emmer said. "Now our organization must grow quickly for the final three months of the election campaign."

"I am excited about taking my principles for job creation and responsible, limited government directly to the people after next Tuesday's primary elections. My new campaign team leaders have enormous experience in winning elections and will help me advance my common-sense agenda for restoring Minnesota's prosperity."

Sheehan currently serves as chief of staff of the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus (from which he is taking a leave of absence). He was campaign manager of former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman's re-election campaign in 2008 and historic recount battle; executive director of the Iowa Republican Party; manager of a U.S. Senate campaign in 2004; and veteran of Coleman's 2002 victory.

Georgacas is president of the public relations firm Goff & Howard. He was campaign chairman and strategist for Gov. Tim Pawlenty's winning 2002 campaign; manager of then-Mayor Norm Coleman's 1998 gubernatorial campaign; and state Republican chairman during Gov. Arne Carlson's tumultuous but successful 1994 re-election bid.

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Final DFL debate

Posted at 9:00 AM on August 7, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

MPR News is hosting the final DFL gubernatorial debate before Tuesday's primary election. Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, former U.S. Senator Mark Dayton and former legislator Matt Entenza are all vying for the nomination.

The debate, which will be broadcast live on MPR stations, is scheduled to start at 7pm.

The winner of Tuesday's primary will square off against Republican Tom Emmer and the winner of the Independence Party primary. Tom Horner and Rob Hahn are vying for that party's nomination. Hahn and Horner are scheduled to debate the issues on MPR's Midday at 11am on Monday.

Final DFL debate

Posted at 1:04 PM on August 8, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

MPR News is sponsoring the final DFL gubernatorial debate tonight. The event features Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton and former legislator Matt Entenza. All three are vying to win the DFL nomination at Tuesday's primary.

The debate starts at 7pm at The Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. It will be broadcast live on MPR stations.

Can't get to St. Paul or a radio?

I'll be tweeting updates on my twitter feed and the twitter feed for MPR Politics.

The Independence Party candidate, Rob Hahn and Tom Horner, will be guests on MPR's Midday tomorrow at 11am.

At least $4.1 million spent on TV ads through primary

Posted at 6:16 PM on August 8, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

With just two days to go until the August Primary, the three DFL candidates for governor spent $3.4 million on TV ads in the Twin Cities media market. Factor in the outside groups and the total increases to at least $4.1 million.

A check on the station's public files show that former legislator Matt Entenza spent the most money, $1.9 million. He ran 5129 ads on KSTP, WCCO, KARE, KMSP, KSTC, WFTC and Comcast from April through Tuesday. Entenza pumped at least $4.5 million of his own money into the race.

Former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton nearly $1.1 million to run 2903 ads on Twin Cities stations. Campaign finance reports show that Dayton has spent at least $3.3 million of his own money on the race.

Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, the DFL endorsed candidate, spent $404,478 on 1143 ads in the Twin Cities market.

The Alliance for a Better Minnesota, MN Forward and the National Organization for Marriage also bought ad time. Several stations, including KSTP and WCCO, have refused to disclose how much those organizations have spent because they aren't required by law to release the information.

The analysis only includes ad time bought at the Twin Cities TV stations. Candidates and groups could have also bought time in Duluth, Rochester and Mankato.

DFL candidates for governor make their final pitch

Posted at 8:37 PM on August 8, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The three DFL candidates for governor, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Mark Dayton and Matt Entenza, participated in an hour long debate tonight. The debate, hosted by MPR News and moderated by MPR's Midday host Gary Eichten, was an opportunity for each candidate to highlight why they should win Tuesday's primary.

Here's the full audio of the debate: Listen

I-P candidates square off today

Posted at 8:46 AM on August 9, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The two Independence Party candidates running for their party's nomination will square off in MPR's studios today. Tom Horner and Rob Hahn will be on MPR's Midday today at 11am. You can listen to it on the radio or listen to it here.

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I-P debate

Posted at 12:49 PM on August 9, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Rob Hahn and Tom Horner, the two Independence Party candidates for governor, appeared on MPR's Midday this morning. You can listen to the show here: Listen

Absentee ballots now coming in strong

Posted at 1:04 PM on August 9, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Campaign 2010

Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie announced today that absentee balloting for tomorrow's primary is already at the highest level in two decades.

As of this morning, election officials statewide reported that they had accepted 26,211 absentee ballots. That's a big turnaround from a week ago, when Ritchie told MPR News that he had not yet seen an increase in absentee voting.

His office released these primary absentee ballot statistics:

2010: 26,211 (as of 9:45 a.m. on 8/9/10)
2008: 21,160
2006: 19,859
2004: 18,958
2002: 18,850
2000: 21,749
1998: 25,257
1996: 20,450
1994: 22,764
1992: 18,990
1990: 17,048

Senate Republicans hire Golnik to help with campaign

Posted at 3:07 PM on August 9, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus has hired political consultant Ben Golnik to help with the caucus election efforts. The move comes two days after Republican Tom Emmer's campaign for governor hired Culleen Sheehan, Chief of Staff to the MN Senate Republican Caucus. The move created a campaign void within the Caucus. Golnik will help fill that void. He'll be hired as a consultant through his firm, Golnik Strategies.

Golnik most recently advised Republican Marty Seifert's failed campaign for governor. He also served as Regional Director for John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign, worked for the House GOP in the 2008 cycle and served as MNGOP executive director between 2005 and 2007.

It will be no easy task for Republicans to take the Senate. Senate Democrats currently have a veto proof majority in that body but operatives in both parties say it's likely DFLers will lose seats in 2010. They say GOP excitement in this election and DFL retirements make it a strong possibility.

Ritchie: about 31,000 vote absentee in primary

Posted at 6:41 PM on August 10, 2010 by Mike Mulcahy
Filed under: Campaign 2010

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie says it looks like nearly 31,000 absentee ballots were cast in the primary, which is a new record. Unfortunately, after all the publicity around the 2008 U.S. Senate recount it also look like about 1,080 absentee ballots were rejected. That's just about the same percentage as were rejected in 2008.

"The 2010 Minnesota Primary election is the first test of the new design for absentee balloting materials and new procedures for reviewing and processing absentee ballots," said Ritchie. "So far the results have been remarkably successful."

Ritchie was standing by his earlier prediction that overall turnout would be about 10-11 percent. That's on the low end historically for primary elections.

Dayton's "victory" speech

Posted at 2:10 AM on August 11, 2010 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Democrat Mark Dayton spoke with reporters after the AP declared him the winner of the DFL primary. Margaret Anderson Kelliher has not conceded and the results are still coming in (Listen). Dayton didn't declare victory and said he respected Kelliher's decision.

Here's the audio of Dayton's newser: Listen

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Morning Edition talks with Dayton, Horner and Emmer

Posted at 8:18 AM on August 11, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

MPR's Cathy Wurzer talked with Democrat Mark Dayton, Independence Party candidate Tom Horner and Republican Tom Emmer.

Dayton took a cautious approach to his victory - praising both Margaret Anderson Kelliher and th DFL Party. It's a clear signal he knows he needs them to rally behind his campaign. Dayton also defended his tax hike plan as a better alternative to Emmer's plan.

I-P candidate Tom Horner says he'll offer a middle ground approach for voters who are sick of partisan politics.

Emmer says Dayton is offering a plan of tax increases while he's offering tax cuts and spending cuts. He again declined to offer any specifics on how he'll erase a budget deficit.

Here's the interview with all three candidates: Listen

The Day after: Where we stand

Posted at 9:00 AM on August 11, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

It looks like the 11 o'clock DFL Unity rally will be called off since Democrat Margaret Anderson Kelliher has scheduled a 3pm news conference. Location is TBD.

Democrat Mark Dayton is doing interviews but isn't declaring victory. His spokeswoman says the campaign is in a "holding pattern" until they hear from Kelliher.

The Republican Party of Minnesota is holding a 1pm news conference to unveil the first ad of the campaign for the gubernatorial campaign.

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner will hold a news conference in St. Paul and Mankato this morning.

Kelliher concedes

Posted at 11:23 AM on August 11, 2010 by Mike Mulcahy
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher just officially ended her race for governor by sending out this statement:

"I just spoke with Mark Dayton and congratulated him on winning the DFL primary. I offered him my full support. He will make an excellent governor.

"Today we will come together as DFLers. We will unite behind Mark Dayton, and beat Tom Emmer in November."

With more than 99 percent of precincts reporting Dayton has a lead of more than 6.100 votes.

We're still waiting for official word of a rally or press conference where Dayton will claim victory and formally kick off his general election campaign.

Democrats press unity

Posted at 5:47 PM on August 11, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

A large group of Democratic politicians and political activists turned out for a DFL unity rally for former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton. The event is meant to show that the party is unified behind Dayton's campaign for governor. The event, which was initially scheduled for 11am, was delayed several hours because Democdrat Margaret Anderson Kelliher didn't concede the race until late morning.

I uploaded Dayton's speech. You can listen to it here: Listen

Photo credit: Jeffrey Thompson

Dayton calls for positive campaign ads

Posted at 11:32 AM on August 12, 2010 by Tim Pugmire (5 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

DFL gubernatorial nominee Mark Dayton is calling on all outside political organizations to stop running TV ads that include negative, personal attacks against candidates.

Dayton made his proposal today (Thursday) at a State Capitol news conference, just one day after the state Republican party unveiled an anti-Dayton ad. Dayton did not call on GOP leaders to end that ad, but going forward, he said the content should stick to the issues.

"Whatever those of us have said or done ,or not said or not done, on the public record as public officials or in our capacity working in the public arena is certainly appropriate for anybody to question or criticize," Dayton said. "But I think my two opponents are decent men, and I will treat them as such. And I think that's the kind of campaign that Minnesotans deserve."

Republican party leaders rejected Dayton's proposal. They called him hypocritical for not previously denouncing an anti-Tom Emmer ad run by an advocacy group that includes several Dayton family members on its donor list.

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner agrees with Dayton. In a news release, Horner said he wants the campaign focused on solutions.

"We need to re-engage the majority of Minnesotans who have been pushed to the sidelines by the extremist politics of the other parties," Horner said.

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Lots of debates on the way

Posted at 1:46 PM on August 12, 2010 by Tim Pugmire (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The dust hasn't settled from Tuesday's primary, but the candidates are already filling up their schedules with several debates in the coming weeks.

Here are some of the events we know about in the next few weeks where Mark Dayton, Tom Emmer and Tom Horner have been invited:

TPT Almanac, Aug. 13
Game Fair, Anoka, Aug. 14
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Nisswa, Aug. 17
Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cites, Winona, Aug. 19
University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Aug. 24
Infrastructure, Jobs and Development Forum, Northland Inn, Brooklyn Park, Aug. 25
Twin West Chamber of Commerce, General Mills, Golden Valley, Aug. 26
Goodhue County United Veterans Organization, Aug. 30
Minnesota Public Radio, State Fair, Sept. 3

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PoliGraph: Emmer's employment claim accurate

Posted at 12:00 PM on August 13, 2010 by Catharine Richert (12 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, PoliGraph

A hallmark of Republican Tom Emmer's campaign for governor will be his case for smaller government.

Emmer's website says one of the shortcomings of big government is that it's replaced private sector jobs with public sector jobs.

"Today, an expansive and expensive state government has crippled our business environments and lost our greatest resource - our people," he writes. "The state's largest employers are now the State of Minnesota, our public university systems, and the federal government."

For the most part, Emmer's claim about the state's largest employers is true. His underlying point that Minnesota's economy has suffered due to the expansion of government is the source of never-ending debate among economists, and is far too complex to sort out in this investigation.

The Evidence

Emmer's campaign points to a recent study compiled by Twin Cities Business magazine, which annually ranks the state's largest employers.

The state of Minnesota is ranked first, employing 54,900 people.

The next largest employer is the Mayo Clinic, which has 37,318 people on its payroll. In third place is the federal government, which has 32,637 employees, followed by Target Corporation with 28,119 employees.

The University of Minnesota, which gets only 18 percent of its budget from the state, is in fifth place with 25,976 employees. It's important to note that the U of M is not part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, which employs about 19,500 full-and-part time workers. All told, that's 45,476 employees.

So, the entire public higher education system, which is what Emmer is talking about, ranks second.

The Verdict

While it's important to note that jobs at the universities and in government are mixed with plenty of private sector positions at the Mayo Clinic and Target, Emmer is correct that the state, schools and the federal government are among the largest employers in Minnesota.

Sources

Emmer for Governor, Bringing Back the Jobs Government Scared Off, accessed Aug. 11, 2010

Twin Cities Business Magazine, Largest Employers - Top 25, accessed Aug. 11, 2010-08-11

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, Facts about the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, accessed Aug. 11, 2010

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Breaking Down the Recession's Impact, by Kyle Uphoff, accessed Aug. 11, 2010

Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota jobless rate dips to 6.8% for June, by Dee DePass, July 15, 2010

The University of Minnesota, Strategic Reductions Key to Balanced Budget, July 22, 2010

Interview, David Strom, Research Director, Emmer for Governor, Aug. 11, 2010

More

The Humphrey Institute

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New poll says Dayton leads

Posted at 10:51 AM on August 13, 2010 by Mike Mulcahy (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

A Rasmussen Reports post-primary telephone survey of 750 likely Minnesota voters finds Democrat Mark Dayton with a substantial lead over Republican Tom Emmer and IP candidate Tom Horner.

The poll, which was conducted yesterday, shows Dayton with 45%, Emmer with 36%, Horner with 10% and 10% undecided.

The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points.

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Fireworks at the first post primary debate

Posted at 11:25 PM on August 13, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The three candidates for Minnesota governor participated in the first post-primary debate tonight and it got feisty. Democrat Mark Dayton, Republican Tom Emmer and Independence Party candidate Tom Horner took part in a debate hosted by Twin Cities Public Television. The candidates sparred over tax policy and the best way to solve the state's nearly 6-billion dollar projected budget deficit. Emmer said he won't support tax increases to balance the budget.

"You need to make all of Minnesota competitive," Emmer said. "You have to lower taxes and have regulatory reform so you can create business all over Minnesota."

But Dayton said Emmer hasn't outlined how he'd balance the budget without raising taxes.

"You've been in the Legislature for all of these years under Governor Pawlenty, a conservative Republcian governor," Dayton said. "You're basically saying that there's $6 billion of waste and excess in his operating budget that you can identify and remove and nobody is going to notice the difference."

Dayton wants to raise income taxes on Minnesota's top earners to balance the budget.

The IP's Horner wants to lower the state's sales tax rate but expand it to clothing and services. He repteadly tried to portray himself as a viable alternative to Emmer and Dayton.

"Representative Emmer talks about the status quo, he's right," Horner said. "But all we hear over here is 'Let's just cut the status quo and everything will be better" and from the other side it's 'let's just make the status quo bigger and everything will be better.' I believe most of us in Minnesota are saying we need something different than the status quo."

You can listen to the full debate here:
Listen

Listen

All three candidates will participate in another debate on Saturday. They'll be at Game Fair in Anoka.

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Gov candidates square off on hunting, fishing and gun rights issues

Posted at 4:21 PM on August 14, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Gov candidates square off on sportsman issues

Democrat Mark Dayton, Republican Tom Emmer and Independence Party candidate Tom Emmer took part in an hour long debate at Game Fair today in Anoka. The three major party candidates for governor voiced their support for hunting, fishing, land and gun rights today (SAT) at Game Fair in Anoka.

It was the second debate since the primary for Dayton, Emmer and Horner. When debate moderators allowed the candidates to question each other, Emmer took the opportunity to attack Dayton.

"If you could just explain to me and everyone else here in Minnesota how you can get an F from the NRA and can sit up here and tell us that you're going to defend sportsmans' rights," Emmer said. "You're going to defend my right and my children's rights when you've gotten an F from the NRA?

Dayton said his low NRA score was due to the fact that he was voting with law enforcement.

"When the police chiefs and the police officers of this state and thisnation come to us and say those bullets are made to kill us, then yeah,I'll vote to ban them, Dayton said. "Does that prevent a law-abiding hunter or fisher/hunter in this state from going out and hunting and fishing? Absolutely not."

Dayton and Horner declined to ask a question of another candidate.

Horner also called for a clear land rights policy for Indian tribes that say treaties grant them expanded access to some areas.

"why isn't the governor sitting down with the tribes on a regular basis to see how we can be working together. There's the opportunity. It's not drawing a line and saying 'I'm going to fight you over this.' It's how we can work together. That's the leadership the governor needs to provide.

Both Dayton and Emmer say the governor must ensure that everyone has the same rights to hunt and fish in all areas.

You can listen to the full debate here: Listen

Note: The sound system didn't work for the first question

MPR's Rupa Shenoy covered and wrote this copy...

AFL-CIO backs Dayton

Posted at 10:41 AM on August 16, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The AFL-CIO, a coalition of some of the state's largest labor unions, is backing Democrat Mark Dayton's bid for governor. The union's board met this morning to put the final touches on the endorsement.

The endorsement doesn't come as a surprise since Dayton is the DFL nominee for governor but it does show that labor is uniting quickly behind Dayton's bid. Unions were fractured in their support of Dayton and Margaret Anderson Kelliher, the DFL endorsed candidate for governor. Education Minnesota, the Carpenters and MAPE all announced last week that they're backing Dayton.

"I am honored and grateful to have the support of the 300,000 hard working men and women of the Minnesota AFL-CIO," Dayton said in a news release. "I have always stood with working women and men, and will continue to stand with them if I am elected Governor. Getting Minnesotans back to work will be a top priority of my administration."

Dayton has scheduled a 1:30 pm news conference that the campaign is calling "important." A campaign spokeswoman was mum but it could be the AFL-CIO announcement.

Dayton is also going to get some help from the AFL-CIO's national president. Richard Trumka will hold an early morning event on Thursday to signal his support for Dayton's candidacy.

Study finds increased spending on state judicial races

Posted at 12:55 PM on August 16, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, MN Legislature

The Brennan Center for Justice, the National Institute on Money in State Politics and the Justice at Stake Campaign released a report today showing that spending on state judicial races is increasing dramatically - $207 million in the last decade. The report highlights the spending on key races in several states. Among them is Minnesota.

The report finds that Minnesota was ranked 19th in spending on judicial races across the country between 2000-2009. The top spender was Alabama.

The report found that Minnesota is one of only two states that didn't have TV ads running during a competitive judicial election. But several groups have warned that they expect that to change in coming years. A constitutional amendment to change how judges are elected stalled in the Legislature last session.

You read the full report here.

ABM hits Emmer on missed votes

Posted at 2:37 PM on August 16, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The Alliance for a Better Minnesota, which was running ads criticizing Republican Tom Emmer for his past DWIs and his position on DWIs in the Legislature , released a new ad ripping Emmer for his missed votes. You can watch the ad here.

The Alliance for a Better Minnesota is a group funded by labor unions, Native American Tribes and wealthy DFL donors. Several members of Mark Dayton's family have given to the group. Dayton is the DFL candidate for governor.

As I reported earlier this year, Emmer isn't the only candidate to miss votes to campaign for higher office. Several candidates for higher office missed votes to campaign.

Dayton targets trackers

Posted at 2:45 PM on August 16, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Mark Dayton today called for the Republican Party of Minnesota to tell its trackers to back off. At a news conference, Dayton said Republican Party officials who videotape Dayton have crossed the line and are now trying to "intimidate him and the voters." He showed video of the videotapers blocking his campaign booth at Game Fair in Anoka on Saturday.

Dayton wants his campaign, the DFL Party and the Republican Party to only videotape the public forums and speeches of the candidates. He also wants the trackers to maintain a respectful distance and wear something that identifies them.

MNGOP spokesman Mark Drake says the party won't change its ways. He says political tracking has become a regular part of political campaigns.

A spokeswoman for the DFL Party says they'll review Dayton's request.

Dayton's news conference comes less than a week after the MNGOP released video of him expressing concern that his dogs were left in his car.

Political tracking has become a regular occurrence in campaigns since 2006. Take a look at the story I did on the issue then.

Boehner to campaign for Demmer

Posted at 3:00 PM on August 16, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner will be in Minnesota on August 30th to campaign for Randy Demmer, a Republican running for Congress in Minnesota's 1st District. Demmer's campaign manager Jason Flohrs said Boehner will hold at least a fundraiser and a possible public event for Demmer.

"We always thought that we had a good chance of winning this seat back," Flohrs said. "To have some national recognition of that is just great."

Demmer is challenging DFL Rep. Tim Walz in Minnesota's 1st District. The two have been campaigning aggressively in one of the more competitive congressional races in Minnesota this year.

Update: I'm addiing comments from Walz' campaign.

"It's a baliout of a failing campaign," Walz campaign manager Richard Carlbom said. "Demmer has struggled to get his campaign going. It's a bailout to save what remnants of a campaign Demmer has left."

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Meffert to host town hall forum outside of his district

Posted at 3:06 PM on August 16, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

The DFL candidates running in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District has scheduled a town hall form on creating jobs in Minnesota. Jim Meffert scheduled tomorrow night's event for 6pm at the Teamsters Local 120 buidling in Blaine.

There's just one problem.

Meffert's town hall won't be in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District but in Minnesota's 6th District. Meffert's campaign spokeswoman, Kate Monson, said the event will be held in Blaine but it's right on the edge of the 3rd and 6th District lines. She said it's also being held at the aTeamsters building, a major supporter of Meffert.

"We just wanted to make sure we were concentrating on the northern part of our district for this event," Monson said.

She also said Meffert will conduct a district wide jobs tour throughout the week. Meffert is running against GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen.

3rd District Congressional watchers should also mark their calendars for September 25th. Monson said KSTP-TV and the League of Women Voters have scheduled a 3rd District debate for that night.

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Bachmann and Clark donations from political elites

Posted at 4:34 PM on August 16, 2010 by Annie Baxter
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

Eric Ostermeier, one of the sources in my story today about Rep. Michele Bachmann's and State Senator Tarryl Clark's fundraising, has analyzed how much of the two candidates' funding is coming from current or past politicians--what he calls "political elites."

Ostermeier says that while Bachmann is slightly outperforming Clark in donations from Minnesotans overall, Clark has an advantage in donations from political elites.

Politicians donating to Clark range from DFL gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton to Edina Mayor James Hovland.

Ostermeier raises these questions:

Are political elites from the GOP not donating money to Bachmann because they know the well-funded incumbent does not need their donation, because they do not support her candidacy, or because they believe there is too great of a political risk in supporting such a controversial candidate?

Ostermeier also notes that Bachmann may be happy not to get donations from political types, insofar as she has "prided herself on not being an establishment candidate."

Speaking of Bachmann's fundraising...the official documents she filed in July showed that she had pulled in more than $4 million by that point. Campaign manager Gina Countryman says that number is now closer to $6 million. Clark's campaign declined to specify how much more money they've pulled in since their July filing, at which point they said they had about $2.4 million.

PoliGraph: Bachmann state aid claim fails the truth test

Posted at 11:45 AM on August 17, 2010 by Catharine Richert (23 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House, PoliGraph, U.S. House

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann had some choice words for a recently passed $26 billion bill meant to aid states hit hard by the economic downturn.

"Taxpayer money will essentially be laundered through the public employee unions, and spent to reelect those same Democrats this fall," Bachmann said on the Aug. 10 episode of FOX News's Freedom Watch with Judge Napolitano.

The next day, she clarified her point on another FOX News program, saying, "Quite literally what will happen is this money will be shifted over to public employee unions. The unions will skim off the top; they'll put a good portion of that into political action committees."

Bachmann's claim underscores an opinion held by other Republicans that the legislation is meant to win favor with teachers and other workers during an election year. Some have argued that, because the funding will be used to maintain worker salaries, a portion of that money could end up with unions in the form of dues.

Bachmann's claim implies that state aid will literally be used to pad Democrats' campaign-funding chests. But that's not true. The money will go to states, not unions.

The bill includes rules on how the money will be administered and what it can be used for.

The Evidence

The legislation includes $10 billion to prevent teacher layoffs and about $16 billion to help states maintain expanded Medicaid coverage that was established by the federal stimulus bill.

Bachmann is vague on which "public employee unions" she's talking about, and her office did not respond to inquiries for clarification. But it appears she's referring to teachers' unions. (The Medicaid component of the bill doesn't change how the federal government matches state funding for the program.)

The $10 billion in education funding will be administered by the Department of Education. It will allocate funding to states based total population and school age population. Then, states will distribute funds to schools based on formulas. The Minnesota Department of Education has not decided how it will allocate the funds, but it's important to note that the decision will be left up to state officials, not teachers' unions.

Furthermore, the bill expressly states that the education funding must "be used only for awards to local educational agencies for the support of elementary and secondary education... for the 2010-2011 school year." The legislation also states that the money can be used only to pay school employees who would otherwise be laid-off or to rehire employees. Moreover, the funding cannot be used to pay-off state debt or for "rainy-day" funds.

The Verdict

Bachmann is wrong to say that the state aid will be "laundered" through public employee unions and used to help reelect Democrats. In fact, the bill is clear that the money can only be used to keep teachers on the payroll.

Her claim does not pass the PoliGraph test.

SOURCES

FOX Business, Rep. Michele Bachmann on Freedom Watch with Judge Napolitano, Aug. 10, 2010
YouTube, Rep. Michele Bachmann on FOX News, Aug. 11, 2010
Reuters, House Passes State Aid Bill, by Lisa Lambert, Aug. 11, 2010
THOMAS, H.R. 1586, accessed Aug. 13, 2010
Summary, The Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, accessed Aug. 13, 2010
Kaiser Family Foundation, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA): Medicaid and Health Care Provisions, accessed Aug. 16, 2010
Department of Education, Title I -- Improving The Academic Achievement Of The Disadvantaged, accessed Aug. 16, 2010
The Washington Post, Bachmann and Angle agree: State aid is "laundered" money for Dems, by Greg Sargent, Aug. 11, 2010
Interview, Christine Dufour, spokeswoman, Minnesota Department of Education, Aug. 16, 2010
Interview, Lonnie Hartley, spokesman, Education Minnesota, Aug. 16, 2010

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University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute

Hear Poligraph reporter Catharine Richert's conversation with Tom Crann on MPR's All Things Considered:

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Emmer skips debate prompting rural Mayors to question his commitment to Greater MN

Posted at 4:54 PM on August 17, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Republican Tom Emmer has declined to attend Thursday's Coalition of Greater MN Cities debate in Winona. The organization invited Emmer, Democrat Mark Dayton and Independence Party candidate Tom Horner. Dayton and Horner say they'll both attend. Emmer says he can't attend because of scheduling issues. He, like Dayton and Horner, will meet with the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce in the morning. Emmer's staffer also says he Emmer a fundraiser scheduled with the Truckers Association. When asked about his decision, Emmer said he couldn't make the commitment work and apologized to the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities..

"They are very important. It's just one of those scheduling things," Emmer said. "We've had a candidate (Democrat Mark Dayton) now for a week and we've already had three debates."

Timothy Strand, Mayor of St. Peter and President of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities issued this statement after Emmer announced his decision:

The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities is excited to be joined by gubernatorial candidates Mark Dayton and Tom Horner for a forum on rural issues at our annual summer conference, Thursday, August 19, at 4:00 p.m. in Winona. We look forward to hearing how their visions for improving the economic viability of our communities fit into their overall solutions for bridging the state's $6 billion budget gap.

"There is no better opportunity to explain why you will be a champion for rural Minnesota than by debating the other candidates for governor in front of the mayors, city council members, and city staff that make up the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. That is why we are disheartened that Rep. Emmer has declined this opportunity. We hope Rep. Emmer reconsiders his invitation and joins Mark Dayton and Tom Horner in an open and honest conversation on the critical issues that will affect the 2.4 million Minnesotans living in greater Minnesota. We also hope Rep. Emmer reevaluates the message that his absence at this critical forum sends to greater Minnesota communities.

Emmer and his campaign may have also been weighing the impact of attending the debate. The Coalition is a strong supporter of Local Government Aid, which has been reduced under Gov. Pawlenty. Emmer has proposed phasing LGA out and creating another, unspecified, formula.

When told of Strand's comments, Emmer said it was unfortunate. He said he has stressed the "recovery in the state will come from greater Minnesota ultimately."

Chamber debate is all business

Posted at 9:27 PM on August 17, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The three candidates for governor participated in a debate this afternoon in Nisswa. The event, hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, focused primarily on business issues like taxes, government spending and permitting.

You can listen to the entire debate here: Listen

Meffert wants stimulus targeted for schools

Posted at 11:05 AM on August 18, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

Democrat Jim Meffert says he wants billions of dollars from the Federal Stimulus bill to be targeted to put solar panels on some of Minnesota's least energy efficient schools. Meffert says The Department of Energy has roughly $6 billion has more than $30 billion in federal funds that have not yet been allocated from the stimulus. He says he'd like to do energy audits of the nation's schools and use those funds to retrofit the schools. Meffert says the funds will help put Minnesotans to work to retrofit the schools.

"One of the problems that we've been seeing is that school districts have to hire a grant writer, they have to spend a lot of their time and their energy, which frankly they don't have, to develop a project. We've got something that we know will work. We can go find the schools that are least efficient and we can go help them."

Meffert says he thinks the funds could improve 110 schools in Minnesota. He's on a district wide jobs tour this week.

Meffert is running against GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District.

Side note: Meffert's Tuesday night town hall was canceled because he had a family emergency.

Gov candidates to debate issues via social media

Posted at 12:01 PM on August 18, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Bring Me the News, a start-up news operation founded by former KARE11 anchor Rick Kupchella, announced today it will hold a gubernatorial forum on September 15th. The event, is also being sponsored by the Citizens League. It will feature Democrat Mark Dayton, Republican Tom Emmer and Independence Party candidate Tom Horner. The event, which will be at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis at 7pm, will be moderated by Kupchella and will include questions submitted by Twitter and Facebook.

All three candidates have confirmed that they will attend the event.

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The horse trading starts in Minnesota's 1st

Posted at 1:29 PM on August 18, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

The candidates in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District are debating over debates.

DFL Rep. Tim Walz sent a letter to his opponents this morning requesting 3 debates be held between now and the November election. The Walz campaign also wants any candidate on the ballot to participate in the debate.

"Engaging in civil, lively debate is one of our democracy's greatest traditions," said Richard Carlbom, Tim Walz for U.S. Congress Campaign Manager. "We are looking forward to participating in these debates with Representative Demmer, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Johnson and to the opportunity to share with the voters of southern Minnesota a clear vision for our future."

In an e-mail to the respective campaigns of Representative Randy Demmer, Steve Wilson and Lars Johnson, Carlbom proposed three, ninety minute debates. One debate would be in Rochester on jobs and the economy. Another would be in Mankato on veterans and the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The third would be a television debate at a to be determined location.

The request prompted a counter offer from Republican Randy Demmer's campaign manager, Jason Flohrs. He wants a total of eight more debates for a total of 11 debates.

Your proposal for three debates is a good start, though limiting a debate to one topic only does not offer voters adequate opportunity to learn more about our very different approaches to solving the problems facing our nation. Make no mistake, voters across this district want to hear answers regarding the lack of job creation, slowing economic recovery, and out-of-control deficit spending. To go to Mankato (as you suggest) and duck the concerns that voters have on those issues would be a disservice to those attending.

So, we're pleased to accept the three you've offered, plus five more across the First District in Rochester, Mankato, Worthington, Winona, and Owatonna. We would also request participation in the KSTP/League of Women Voters debate, a joint appearance on the Almanac public affairs program, and a joint appearance at the Rochester Chamber of Commerce debate - an event that Congressman Walz has participated in all his previous campaigns.

Let the horse trading begin!

Horner to release budget plan, TV ads next week

Posted at 1:47 PM on August 18, 2010 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner will release his plans to balance the state's budget at a campaign event on Monday. His campaign spokesman Bill Crum, confirmed the story first reported by MinnPost. Horner has said he wants to lower state business taxes and the state's sales tax rate but hasn't offered specifics. He has also said he wants to expand the sales tax to clothing and services and proposed increasing the tobacco tax. Horner's decision to

Horner criticized Democrat Mark Dayton's plan to raise income taxes on Minnesota's top earners as a "job killer." He also ripped Republican Tom Emmer for saying he could erase a projected $5.8 billion budget deficit without raising taxes. Emmer hasn't offered any specifics but has suggested he would eliminate some government agencies. Horner said those cuts would amount to "rounding errors."

Horner also told reporters yesterday that he intends to go on the air with TV ads next week.

"I'm hopeful that we'll be on on Monday and that will be through the State Fair. It will be a statewide television buy that is going to be at a high level and will introduce me to Minnesota."

Horner said he doesn't intend to run ads through the November election. Instead, he said there will be breaks in the action.

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MSNBC rejects MoveOn ad

Posted at 11:52 AM on August 19, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

MSNBC announced today that it's rejecting a MoveOn.org ad that's criticizing Target Corporation for giving $150,000 to MN Forward, which is supporting Republican Tom Emmer's campaign for governor. MSNBC's spokeswoman tells the AP that they aren't airing the ad because it specifically attacks one company.

MoveOn's executive director Justin Ruben criticized MSNBC's decision in a news release.

"According to MSNBC and GE it is alright for corporations, like Target, to attack candidates and buy elections, but it is not OK for citizen organizations, like MoveOn, to fight back. This is the height of hypocrisy," said Justin Ruben, Executive Director of MoveOn.org. "Target Corporation decided to use the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision to try to buy the Minnesota Governor's election and now GE and MSNBC are protecting them from deserved consumer backlash. It's good to know that cronyism is alive and well in the corporate takeover of America."

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PoliGraph: Alliance right about Emmer's missed votes

Posted at 3:08 PM on August 19, 2010 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, PoliGraph

The Alliance for a Better Minnesota, a labor-backed organization, has a new ad knocking Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer for missing votes during the most recent legislative session.

As an invisible red pen marks days on a calendar, the voice over asks, "What would happen if you missed one out of every five days of work for a year?"

"I wouldn't have a job," says one woman.

"My boss would kill me," says another.

"Tom Emmer missed one out of every five votes in the state legislature," the voice-over says. That's "142 missed votes in 2010 alone. Votes on education, veterans' affairs, and jobs."

The Alliance for a Better Minnesota gets its numbers right. But viewers beware: Understanding this ad requires some context.

The Evidence

Election season was already heating up when the legislature met for its 2010 session. And that means several lawmakers, including the Democratic candidate for governor, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, and state Rep. Randy Demmer, R-Hayfield, a congressional candidate, also missed votes to campaign.

Emmer, of Delano, was among those missing in action. In 2010, House legislators cast 621 votes, including votes on big ticket issues, such as education funding, as well as non-controversial resolutions and procedural moves. Emmer missed 142 of those votes, about 20 percent - or one in five votes - during the session.

It's also true that Emmer missed votes on education issues, such as a bill to fund K-12 schools, veterans' affairs, and two votes on an employment and economic development policy bill.

So, the Alliance for a Better Minnesota is on the mark with Emmer's missed votes.

But it's still important to put this ad in context. Here's how Emmer's absences break down:

This year's session lasted a little over 14 weeks, and Emmer missed votes on 15 of those days. So, that's roughly equivalent to one day for every week the legislature met. However, he was present for some votes on eight of those days.

Furthermore, Emmer missed most of those votes on a few days clustered at the end of the session; he did not take one day off every week for the entire session as the ad implies. Emmer's campaign manager Cullen Sheehan didn't say where he was on those days, only that he takes his job "very seriously."

The Verdict

Though the Alliance for a Better Minnesota omits some context from its ad, the claim is essentially accurate. The group correctly points out that Emmer missed one out of every five votes this session. And most of those votes were indeed on significant issues facing the state, including education funding, taxes and the environment.

SOURCES

Alliance for a Better Minnesota, Really?, accessed Aug. 17, 2010
Minnesota Public Radio News, Some legislators skip votes to campaign, by Tom Scheck, April 22, 2010
Minnesota Public Radio News, Where's Emmer? DFL questions missed votes, by Tim Pugmire, May 13, 2010
Minnesota Public Radio News, House GOP hits back on Kelliher's missed votes, by Tom Scheck, May 13, 2010
Minnesota State Legislature, Recorded Roll Call Floor Votes By Date, 2009-2010 Regular Session, accessed Aug. 17, 2010
Alliance for a Better Minnesota, Tom Emmer's Missed Votes in 2010, accessed Aug. 17, 2010
Interview, Xavier Lopez-Ayala, spokesman, Alliance for a Better Minnesota, Aug. 17, 2010
Interview, Cullen Sheehan, campaign manager, Emmer for Governor, Aug. 17, 2010

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The Humphrey Institute

Pawlenty fundraiser for Emmer in Shorewood

Posted at 6:27 PM on August 19, 2010 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Republican Tom Emmer's campaign for governor released more information on where Gov. Pawlenty's fundraiser for the Emmer campaign will be held.

The Emmer campaign says Pawlenty will host the fundraiser (along with Norm Coleman, John Kline, Michele Bachmann and Erik Paulsen) at the home of Marty & Anne Davis in Shorewood.

Campaign finance reports show that Marty Davis, an executive with Davisco Foods, has given mostly to Norm Coleman's campaign between 2006 and 2010. He also donated to the MNGOP, Texas Congressman Ted Poe, Phil Krinkie's failed campaign for Congress and Republican Brian Davis' failed campaign for Congress in 2008.

Emmer's campaign says the event will be closed to the press.

Here's the info from the fundraising invite:

Please join Governor Tim Pawlenty, Sen. Norm Coleman, Rep. John Kline, Rep. Michele Bachmann and Rep. Erik Paulsen for an exclusive event for Tom Emmer

Monday, August 23

General Reception 5:30 - 7 pm $500 per person / $1,000 per couple

VIP "Max-Out' Dinner with Hosts 7- 8:30 pm

Co-Hosts George & Barbara Anderson · Doug & Julie Baker Tim & Emily Berkness · Steve & Barbara Cossack Mark & Mary Davis · Marty & Anne Davis Ken & Midge Dean · Dennis & Megan Doyle Bob & Mary Fayfield · David & Sandra Frauenshuh Stan & Karen Hubbard · Doug & Julie Huseby Steve & Jennifer Knuth · Jack & Annette Meeks Greg & Cindy Page · Andrew & Leslie Parker Bernadette Perryman · Brad & Melanie Rixmann Dan & Jodi Rosen · Ron & Janet Schutz Denny & Amanda Walsh

The Home of Marty & Anne Davis
Shorewood, MN

(Note: I intentionally left off the address of the fundraiser)

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Minneapolitans supported Reed, not Clark or Bachmann

Posted at 11:29 AM on August 20, 2010 by Annie Baxter (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

U of M researcher Eric Ostermeier has crunched some numbers on the Congressional candidate who pulled in the most money in Minneapolis in the first 567 days of the election cycle.

It's not Keith Ellison, who represents Minneapolis as Congressman in the fifth district. Ellison was handily re-elected to his seat in 2008. Ostermeier suggests Minneapolis denizens may think he doesn't need their fundraising help, given his last big win.

Instead, Ostermeier notes that Minneapolitans are giving the most to the sixth district--but not to incumbent Congresswoman Michele Bachmann or her DFL opponent, State Senator Tarryl Clark.

Instead, Maureen Reed, who lost the DFL nomination to Clark and who dropped out of the race, pulled in the most fundraising dollars from Minneapolitans--about $200,000.

What does that mean? Maybe not that much. Keep in mind that that $200,000 is a drop in the bucket compared to what Bachmann and Clark have raised overall. And of course, it is just Minneapolis Ostermeier's talking about. But for stats lovers, it could be interesting.

I sent Reed's flak an email to ask what she's going to do with the money. Haven't heard back yet.

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Horner releases first TV ad

Posted at 5:29 PM on August 20, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Tom Horner's Independence Party campaign for governor released its first TV ad this afternoon.

The 30-second spot features a tight shot on a face with one blue and one red eye, each pointing and moving in opposite directions. Horner narrates saying Democrats and Republicans have been looking too far to the right and left.

Horner was not on hand for the ad unveiling. His campaign manager Stephen Imholte told reporters the ad will start airing Sunday throughout Minnesota with an emphasis on the Twin Cities metro-area. He says two variations of the ad will follow and that the entire ad buy is costing more than $100,000. Imholte declined to say exactly how much the campaign is spending. He said the ads will run through mid-September.

Emmer releases first TV ad

Posted at 9:07 PM on August 22, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer released his first TV ad today. The ad features his family talking about job creation. It's not a surprise since most polling shows that's the number one issue on the minds of voters is jobs and economy.

You can watch it here.

Emmer's campaign manager, Cullen Sheehan, says the campaign is spending $300,000 on the ad buy, which will run through early September. He also says the ad will run on broadcast and cable.

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Debates!

Posted at 11:07 AM on August 23, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The three candidates for governor will be taking part in three debates this week.

Democrat Mark Dayton, Republican Tom Emmer and Independence Party candidate Tom Horner will square off in forums on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

On Tuesday, the candidates will be on the University of St. Thomas campus for "The University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business in conjunction with the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Gubernatorial Breakfast Panel." The focus of the debate, which starts at 8:30am, will "focus exclusively on issues affecting business in Minnesota." The forum will be moderated by University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business Dean Chirstopher Puto.

On Wednesday, the three candidates will take part in a debate focusing on "jobs, Economic Development and Infrastructure. The debate is sponsored by several construction contractors and transportation related groups. That debate will be held at 8:30AM at the Northland Inn in Brooklyn Park.

On Thursday, the candidates will take part in a TwinWest Chamber of Commerce debate at the headquarters of General Mills. That debate starts at 8am.

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Bachmann hits the road

Posted at 1:13 PM on August 23, 2010 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is hitting the road this week on the first of a series of bus tours throughout Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. On Wednesday and Thursday, Bachmann will make stops in Woodbury, Ham Lake, Forest Lake, Hugo, Stillwater, Anoka and St. Cloud. Bachmann is being challenged by Democrat Tarryl Clark.

Update: The Bachmann release says there will be a stop in Stillwater but it isn't on the schedule.

Here's the full schedule:

Wednesday
Dorothy Ann Bakery Wednesday,
8:45AM - 9:40AM
710 Commerce Dr., Suite 100, Woodbury, MN

Western Spring Manufacturing
10:30AM - 11:50AM
5118 130th St. N., Hugo, MN

Blue Heron Grille
12:00PM - 1:00PM
14725 Victor Hugo Blvd,
Hugo, MN

C&L Distributors
4:00PM - 5:00PM
1020 Industrial Drive South,
Sauk Rapids, MN

Bachmann for Congress Office Opening Wednesday
5:15PM - 6:30PM
138 Second Street South, Waite Park, MN

Thursday

Marshall Ready Mix Time: TBD
14141 Unity St. N.W., Ramsey, MN

Federal Ammunition Time: 10:30AM - 11:45AM
900 Bob Ehlen Dr., Anoka,

Update: Clark's campaign manager issued a statement criticizing Bachmann for visiting other states during the August recess but failing to hold a public meeting with her constituents.

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Horner releases budget plan

Posted at 4:42 PM on August 23, 2010 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

(NOTE: more video below)

Independence Party gubernatorial hopeful Tom Horner is proposing a mix of tax cuts for businesses and tax increases for consumers in a budget balancing plan he released today.

Horner wants to increase taxes on tobacco ($1.50 a pack hike on a pack of cigarettes) and alcohol (10 cents a drink), extend the sales tax to clothing and some services and allow for slot machines at the state's two horse tracks. Horner is also proposing to lower the sales tax rate by one percent.

He also proposing a plan to cut the state's corporate tax rate and increase the research and development tax credit for businesses.

"What we need this year, more than any other year, is a campaign in which we're honest with Minnesotans," Horner said. "In which we say to Minnesota that Democrats and Republicans have dug the hole so deep, it's going to take a while for us to climb out of it. Here's a way to climb out of it."

Minnesota is facing a $5.8 billion projected budget deficit in the next two year budget.

In addition to the changes to the tax system, Horner also wants to freeze state hiring, cut state mandates on local governments, eliminate some tax breaks (like JOBZ and ethanol) and eliminate state aid to counties. In exchange, Horner would authorize counties to increase the county sales tax by a half a percent. He said he would also delay a school payment delay that was passed into law in the past legislative session.

Democrat Mark Dayton says Horner doesn't want to hike income taxes on the state's top earners but is willing to tax the entire state. Dayton is proposing an income tax increase on the state's top earners.

Republican Tom Emmer hasn't released a budget plan yet to fix the state's $5.8 billion budget deficit but has said he won't raise taxes.

You can read the full budget plan here.

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SEIU to back Dayton

Posted at 6:27 PM on August 23, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The Service Employees International Union will officially back Democrat Mark Dayton's bid for governor on Tuesday morning. The 30,000 member union will announce it's supporting Dayton at a news conference at the State Capitol.

The union's endorsement isn't a surprise and SEIU's Luchelle Stevens said the union's PAC Board decided before the August 10th primary to back whoever won the primary. Stevens said the union wanted to hit the ground running to support Dayton, Margaret Anderson Kelliher or Matt Entenza.

The union did not endorse a candidate before the primary.

SEIU officially backs Dayton

Posted at 12:07 PM on August 24, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The Service Employees International Union of Minnesota has officially supported Democrat Mark Dayton's bid for governor. The thirty thousand member union announced the endorsement today at a news conference at the State Capitol. SEIU's Javier Morillo Alicea says several of Minnesota's businesses have donated to a political committee that's backing Emmer. He says SEIU is supporting Dayton because he wants to increase taxes on Minnesota's top earners.

"The CEOs and corporations have made their choice here. With the recent Supreme Court decision, they're allowed to spend unlimited amounts. So they're making their choice and so today is about us making our choice because there's only one candidate who is going to make the wealthiest in the state, who can afford it, pay their fair share."

SEIU is the final union to officially get behind Dayton's campaign. The union's leadership decided to not endorse a candidate until after the DFL primary so the union had money to spend in this year's general election. SEIU officials declined to say how much they'll spend on Dayton's behalf but finance reports show the union gave $60,000 through July 21st to the DFL Party and a group working to elect Dayton.

Meanwhile, former State Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm announced that he was supporting Independence Party candidate Tom Horner.

Gov candidates talk nukes, taxes and budget

Posted at 12:10 PM on August 24, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The three candidates for governor debated tax policy, the expansion of nuclear power in Minnesota and the state budget at a debate this morning at St. Thomas University's Opus College of Business in Minneapolis. The college, along with The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, sponsored the debate.

Both Republican Tom Emmer and Independence Party candidate Tom Horner both say they support lifting the state's ban on building new nuclear plants in Minnesota. Democrat Mark Dayton opposes the measure until issues surrounding nuclear waste storage are addressed.

You can listen to the full debate here: Listen

DFL legislative leaders urge Pawlenty to take FMAP money

Posted at 2:45 PM on August 24, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, MN Legislature, Tim Pawlenty, U.S. House, U.S. Senate

DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL House Majority Leader Tony Sertich and DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller sent a letter to Governor Pawlenty today urging him to take $263 million in federal funds.

Pawlenty is faced with the choice of accepting funds that he has criticized on the campaign trail. He has repeatedly critiized President Obama and the Democratic controlled Congress for spending too much and increasing the deficit. Pawlenty, who is ramping up a run for president in 2012, accepted federal stimulus money and even booked the FMAP funds in his initial budget plan in January.

Pawlenty's spokesman said lthe governor was still mulling whether to take the funds. He has until September 24th to make a decision.

Today, Kelliher, Sertich and Pogemiller are trying to ramp up the pressure:

"You cannot let political ambition get in the way of doing what is right for Minnesota. We strongly encourage you to seek these federal funds. Failure to do so would be an irresponsible act...hurting Minnesota taxpayers while doing nothing to help the tough economic situation faced by patients and our health care system."

You can read the full letter here.

Emmer: "Where is the deficit?"

Posted at 3:31 PM on August 24, 2010 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

At today's debate, Republican Tom Emmer questioned those who were challenging him to release specifics on how he intends to plug a $5.8 billion budget gap. Democrat Mark Dayton has called for increasing taxes by $4 billion mostly through income tax increases on Minnesota's top earners, closing corporate loopholes and gambling expansion. Independence Party candidate Tom Horner is calling for a mix of tax hikes on alcohol, cigarettes, clothing and an expansion of gambling. He also wants to cut business taxes.

Emmer has repeatedly said he intends to balance the budget without raising taxes. When challenged to produce his budget, Emmer replied:

"Where is the deficit? We talk about 'You got to raise taxes, government has to invest.' I'll say it again, government in the state of Minnesota is scheduled to get a 7 percent increase in the next biennium. Government will have more money to spend in the next two years than it is spending right now. And yet the folks that want to raise taxes want to talk about a $6 billion deficit which is created on paper because government wants to spend $38 billion instead of the roughly $32 billion that we have." Listen

Emmer is correct that revenues are projected to increase 7 percent, according to documents released by Minnesota Management and Budget (see page 1, Subtotal Current Resources). The document also says spending is set to increase 17 percent in the next two year budget (see page 1, Total Expenditures and Transfers).

Part of the reason for the sharp increase in spending is the reliance on one-time money to balance the state's current two-year budget. Those fixes include a K12 payment delay to schools ($1.4 billion) and the one-time spending cuts ($670 million) initially cut by governor Pawlenty through unallotment and later ratified by the Legislature.

If Rep. Emmer also declines to shift patients currently enrolled in MinnesotaCare and General Assistance Medical Care into the federal Medicaid program (known as MA expansion), it would save the state $360 million. He would also benefit if Gov. Pawlenty opts to take federal money (known as FMAP) allocated through the recently passed Education, Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act ($230 million).

If Emmer declines to pay back the K12 shift, accepts the spending cuts originally made through Gov. Pawlenty's unallotment, declines to take the MA expansion funds and Pawlenty accepts the FMAP funds, the projected budget deficit would be reduced by roughly $2.7 billion. That means Emmer would be facing a $3.1 billion budget deficit if he's elected.

And that is only if there is not a change to the state's current economic position that would be reflected in the November and February budget forecasts.

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Public subsidies for candidates total $3.9 million

Posted at 9:37 AM on August 25, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Campaign 2010

The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board has distributed $3.9 million in public subsidy payments to 365 candidates running for office this fall.

The payments are going to candidates for governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state auditor and the Minnesota Legislature. In the governor's race, Republican Tom Emmer is getting a total of $511,834 in public subsidies. Tom Horner of the Independence Party is getting $346,368. There's no payment for DFL candidate Mark Dayton, who declined to abide by the required spending cap.

Non-union builders group backs Emmer

Posted at 10:12 AM on August 25, 2010 by Tim Pugmire (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The Minnesota Associated Builders and Contractors has announced its support of Republican Tom Emmer in the race for governor.

Associated Builders and Contractors is a national association representing nearly 25,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms in 78 chapters.

Emmer issued the following statement:

"I am humbled by the support of the Associated Builders and Contractors and by the hardworking small businesspeople they represent. They understand that it's not government but businesses which create jobs and opportunities for working Minnesotans. With ABC's support, I know we will make Minnesota a place that's open for business."

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Barden calls for eight debates

Posted at 12:01 PM on August 25, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010

Republican Attorney General candidate Chris Barden is calling on Democratic incumbent Lori Swanson to debate his eight times. Barden told reporters that he wants to have eight debates - one in each congressional district in Minnesota - between now and Election Day. Barden says the debate will give the public an opportunity to learn the differences between the two candidates.

Barden said his top priorities are suing to stop the federal health law, working to institute photo identification at the polls and making Minnesota's business climate more friendly. Barden says he would join a lawsuit filed by other attorneys general challenging the constitutionality of the federal health law. He also said he would lobby the Legislature to pass a law that requires photo identification at the polling place. Barden also said he would work to be an advocate for consumers and businesses if he's elected. He argues Swanson has been too focused on consumer issues at the expense of business.

Barden says the only debate that is currently scheduled is a KSTP-TV/League of Women Voters debate on October 16th.

I'm checking to see whether Swanson has agreed to appear at the KSTP-TV debate or any other debates.

Update:
Here's a response from Brian Bergson, with Swanson's campaign:

"AG Swanson is tending to the office's legal work, and hasn't yet seen Dr. Barden's political correspondence. She will participate in a debate sponsored by KSTP 5/League of Women Voters, but details and scheduling still need to be worked out."

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Voters can now check registration status online

Posted at 12:05 PM on August 25, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Campaign 2010

State officials have unveiled a new online service to help Minnesotans check their voter registration status.

Voters who visit http://www.sos.state.mn.us/ can now enter their name, birth date and address to see if their registration is current. Links and further instructions are provided to those who need to update their registration. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie says the service will make the voting process easier by addressing one of the most frequently asked election questions.

"We know that this service is one that's going to save a lot of voters' time," Ritchie said. "And it's going to save a lot of local elections officials money, because the number of phone calls and just the staff time, they will not have to be devoted to this particular question."

Ritchie says the online tool only verifies registration and does not disclose any information about individual voters. His office staff will demonstrate the new service during the Minnesota State Fair.

PoliGraph: MN more like other states under Horner's sales tax plan

Posted at 2:33 PM on August 25, 2010 by Catharine Richert
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, PoliGraph

To help reduce the deficit, Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner has proposed revamping the state's sales taxes.

Doing so will "make Minnesota's sales tax consistent with most other states," a press release on his website states.

So, how does Horner's sales tax plan stack up? It's true that his proposal would make Minnesota more like the rest of the nation.

Evidence
Horner's tax plan has several components, but in this instance he's specifically talking about his plan to lower the general sales tax and expand sales taxes to previously exempt products and services.

Currently, Minnesota has the seventh highest sales tax in the country at 6.875 percent. But Horner wants to lower that to 5.875 percent, giving Minnesota the 25th highest sales tax in the country. Doing so would put Minnesota right in the middle of the pack, with a sales tax just above the national average of about 5 percent.

It's important to note that Horner would also allow counties to increase sales taxes by half a percent to offset his proposed reductions in state aid. So, in counties that take this option, the net impact on the consumer would be a half percent reduction in the sales tax.

Unlike most states, Minnesota exempts clothing from sales tax. Horner's plan would change that. (He's also talked about expanding sales tax to other services, but hasn't detailed his ideas.)

The Verdict

Horner's claim is accurate: The sales tax reduction and the expansion of sales tax to clothing would make Minnesota more like other states.

SOURCES
Tom Horner for Governor, Horner-Mulder Release Budget Outline, accessed Aug. 24, 2010

Tom Horner for Governor, Minnesota Works: Horner-Mulder Budget, accessed Aug. 24, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio News, Horner outlines budget plan: Taxes, cuts, delays, by Mark Zdechlik, Aug. 23, 2010

The Federation of Tax Administrators, State Sales Tax Rates and Food & Drug Exemptions, January, 2010

Minnesota Department of Revenue, Minnesota Sales and Use Tax, accessed Aug. 24, 2010

The Minneapolis Star Tribune, Is it time to tax clothing sales?, by Baird Helgeson, March 4, 2010:

Interview, Mark Haveman, executive director, Minnesota Taxpayers Association, Aug. 24, 2010

PoliGraph: Horner's small businesses claim cuts both ways

Posted at 12:00 PM on August 26, 2010 by Catharine Richert (7 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, PoliGraph

In a recent gubernatorial debate in Winona, Tom Horner and Mark Dayton traded barbs over taxes.

Horner, the Independence Party's candidate, said Dayton's plan to raise taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans would hurt small businesses.

"What Senator Dayton is proposing is not just a tax on success, it is a tax on job creators," he said on Aug. 19. "When we have most small businesses in Minnesota paying taxes at the individual income tax rate, we're now robbing their ability to make investments to retain some of their earnings and make investments in new jobs, new equipment, new technologies."

It's a claim that's often made about Dayton's tax proposal, and it falls into a gray area.

The Evidence
Defining small businesses is a sticky wicket, but for this investigation, there are two definitions that matter.

The federal Small Business Administration identifies them as operations with less than 500 employees, and counts roughly 500,000 such businesses in Minnesota. These businesses can include farms, sole proprietorships or partnerships, and about 90 percent of them report income through the individual tax return.

So, by this standard, it is correct to say most small businesses in Minnesota pay taxes at the individual income tax rate.

But this definition can be misleading because some very large corporations pay their taxes though individual tax returns and some very small organizations don't. So, to dissect Horner's larger point that Dayton's tax plan would put small businesses in a bind, it's best to look at how many people report what's known in the tax world as "flow-through income," or money that comes from business, on their individual tax returns.
By this definition, the Minnesota Department of Revenue estimates that only 8.7 percent of small businesses would be subject to the new tax rate.

If all this sounds familiar, that's because it is. During the 2010 legislative session, lawmakers debated a tax increase on couples making more than $200,000. Opponents argued that many of Minnesota's wealthiest derive some income from small business operations. They also pointed out that firms affected by the new taxes account for much of the small business income in Minnesota.

The same holds under Dayton's proposal. According to the revenue department, while only a sliver of all Minnesotans reporting flow-through income would be affected by the new tax brackets, those filers account for 64 percent of all such income.

The Verdict
Horner is correct to say that most small businesses report taxes under the individual tax return. But it's misleading to imply that Dayton's plan would hit a lot of small businesses in Minnesota. In fact, only 8.7 percent would be subject to the proposed increase. Nevertheless, that narrow slice of filers does account for a lot of the state's small business income.

This claim is inconclusive.

SOURCES
The UpTake, Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities debate, Aug. 19, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio News, Tax increase would affect 7 percent of small business owners, by Mark Zdechlick, May 13, 2010

The Small Business Administration, Small Business Profile: Minnesota, accessed Aug. 24, 2010

MinnesotaBudgetBites.org, Legislature's tax plan would impact few small business owners, accessed Aug. 24, 2010

Mark Dayton for Governor, Mark's Deficit Solution, accessed Aug. 24, 2010

The Minnesota Department of Revenue, Taxes Paid by Small Business in Minnesota, accessed Aug. 24, 2010

Interview, Tom Hesse, vice president for government affairs, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Aug. 24, 2010

More

The Humphrey Institute

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Gov candidates talk infrastructure

Posted at 2:29 PM on August 25, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

At their latest debate, Republican Tom Emmer, Democrat Mark Dayton and Tom Horner from the Independence party talked transportation issues during a 90 minutes debate this morning sponsored by a variety of transportation interests.

Dayton is proposing a one billion dollar bonding bill, which he says could create nearly 30,000 jobs. He said it makes sense to borrow because the need for road work comes when interest rates are low.

"There's both the short term benefit of a $1 billion bonding bill in a state that has a gross state product of $263 billion, I mean that's not going to tip the scales But in terms of the economic recovery, it's going to make a significant contribution. 28,500 jobs through a $1 billion of public investment is a good deal for the people of Minnesota."

Horner would spend less than half of that. Horner used the debate to rip Dayton's spending plans and his income tax increase on the top ten percent of wage earners.

"That's not nearly enough to pay for the billions and billions and billions of dollars that you're promising in new spending and there aren't enough bonding bills in the world that are going to help small businesses if they're not in business because they're having to pay rates that are at the top of the nation."

Dayton defended his tax proposal, saying more than 90 percent of small business owners don't report enough income to get hit by the higher rate.

Republican Emmer has never voted for a bonding bill as a state legislator. He said the bills should be used only for long-term projects and that they are instead used for political purposes.

"They should not be used to pass policies like a policy on greenhouse has emissions that would not otherwise not get through the legislative process. They should not be used to give out a Christmas tree full of gifts to convince career politicians to give their votes in other areas where they might not otherwise provide them."

You can listen to the full debate here: Listen

The three candidates are scheduled to take part in another debate tomorrow. The TwinWest Chamber will host that debate in the morning.

MPR's Mark Zdechlik wrote the story and gathered the audio for this blog post.

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Planned Parenthood backs Dayton

Posted at 2:47 PM on August 25, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund has endorsed DFL candidate Mark Dayton in the race for governor.

In a news release today, PPAF president Sarah Stoesz said that Minnesotans have embraced Dayton's vision for the state, including his commitment to affordable and accessible health care for all.

"As our U.S. Senator, Mark Dayton demonstrated his dedication to Minnesota women and families." Stoesz said. "He has a long history of fighting for what's right: access to affordable and high quality health care, including family planning, and protecting the health and safety of women. He has always been a true champion for women's health."

Stoesz also praised Dayton's selection of state Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon as his lieutenant governor running mate. She said Solon is a proven advocate for women and families.

Gov Debate focuses on past statements and public employees

Posted at 12:38 PM on August 26, 2010 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The three candidates for governor debated compensation for public sector employees today at a debate in Golden Valley. Independence Party candidate Tom Horner also worked to suggest that his DFL and Republican opponents are shifting positions.

When asked for ways to solve projected deficit in the state's public pensions, Republican Tom Emmer said he thought the state needed to shift state employees to a 401k style retirement package. He also complained that public employees are making too much than their counterparts in the private sector.

"This is where the imbalance comes in. Not only do our public employees make on average thirty to forty percent more than private sector employees in the same positions but then they have health care insurance that's gold plated health care while people in the private sector are lucky to keep theirs..."

Emmer was citing studies by two conservative groups and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Democrat Mark Dayton said he didn't think it was fair for Emmer to denigrate public employees.

"People who work their entire careers in the public sector don't make a lot of money in total and they don't have a lot of retirement income but they have secure income. They bargain for those retirement benefits as they bargain for their health insurance and the school districts in this state buy their insurance in the private market."

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner said he would work to fix the state's public pension system through benefit cuts, higher employee contributions and more public money. He also said Democrat Mark Dayton has repeatedly criticized him for extending the state's sales tax to some services but pushed to extend the sales tax to legal services when he ran for governor in 1998. He also criticized Republican Tom Emmer for repeatedly voting no on bonding bills during his six years in the Legislature but now telling voters he supports a bonding bill.

"I'm impressed that it took Senator Dayton a decade to change some of his core positions. Representative Emmer seems to do it from debate to debate and that's not what Minnesota needs. We need a clear vision. We need a clear focus on where we are going."

Dayton said he is older and wiser than he was in 1998. Emmer said he opposed the bonding bills during his time in the Legislature because it didn't include the right priorities.

You can listen to the entire debate, sponsored by the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, here: Listen

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Conservative group to start running ads tonight targeting Dayton

Posted at 2:43 PM on August 26, 2010 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Minnesota's Future, a group headed by several conservatives, is scheduled to start running TV ads tonight. The Independent Expenditure group is headed by GOP political consultant Chris Tiedeman and FLS Connect's Jeff Larson. Both Tiedeman and Larson declined to talk specifics on the ad but a source with knowledge of the media buy said $686,490 worth of ads will run on TV stations in the Twin Cities, Mankato and Rochester. The ads will start running today through September 9th. (See update below).

Larson, a close confidante to former GOP Sen. Norm Coleman, confirmed the ads will start running this week but declined to offer any more detail.

"I don't have to much to say on it. The ads are going up today and we'll see them later tonight but I'm not going to preview them or really talk about them until they air."

Larson told the Associated Press last week that the group would help "pro-business" candidates.

It isn't certain who is funding Minnesota's Future. The group filed a campaign finance report on July 20th that said it had $820.45 in the bank. That means the group received most of the money for the ads after the August 10th primary. The next reporting deadline for committees to file a campaign finance report is September 21st.

Update:

Tiedeman called me back to say that the ad will focus on Democrat Mark Dayton's tax and spending record. He also said the ad buy will not be $700,000 but a little more than half of that ($350k).

Update: Here's the ad:

Here's a little analysis:

The ad summarizes Dayton's plan to increase income taxes but fails to mention that it would only hit Minnesota's top earners (for singles an after tax income of $130,000, for couples an after tax income of $150,000). The ad cites this MPR story saying Dayton wants to raise taxes $5 million, which he said.

The ad is a bit misleading by saying Dayton wants to increase property taxes and the so-called e-mail tax.

Dayton has been proposing a higher income tax on Minnesota's top earners because he complained that additional cuts to Local Government Aid would force higher property taxes. Dayton has proposed increasing property taxes on homes that cost more than $1 million.

As far as the e-mail tax, the ad is citing this PC World that says Dayton advanced an e-mail tax as a way to tackle spam. What the ad doesn't mention is that Dayton advanced that proposal in Congress. What is misleading about is the ad suggests Dayton would tax e-mail as a part of his budget balancing plan. That is not included in his budget plan.

Update: Dayton's Deputy Campaign Manager Katie Tinucci issued this statement about the ad:

"This is just lies, lies and more lies from people who won't identify themselves. Mark has made it absolutely clear that his plan to close Minnesota's budget hole and to invest in education will raise taxes only on the richest Minnesotans. This attack is especially ironic since it's Mark's plan that will prevent property tax increases. And Mark promised in 2003 to vote against any email tax in the U.S. Senate and has never suggested it in this campaign. Mark is determined to put an end to the middle class carrying the tax burden in Minnesota--it's time everyone paid their fair share."

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GOP trackers get new shirts

Posted at 4:46 PM on August 26, 2010 by Tim Pugmire (7 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

State Republican party officials have designed special tee shirts for their trackers to wear when following and filming DFL gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton.

The clothing, unveiled today at the State Fair, comes in response to Dayton's recent complaint that GOP trackers were trying to intimidate him and his supporters. He also suggested partisan trackers wear some kind of identification.

The Republican shirts include identification along with critical messages aimed at Dayton.

Update

A spokeswoman for Dayton declined to comment specifically on the shirts, but she suggested the GOP spend more time trying to explain candidate Tom Emmer's plan for reducing the deficit.

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PoliGraph: Emmer's public sector salary claim inconclusive

Posted at 6:09 PM on August 26, 2010 by Catharine Richert (14 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, PoliGraph

During a debate in Golden Valley, Tom Emmer put public sector employee salaries in his cross-hairs.

"On average, a person who works in the private sector in a job similar to that of somebody who's working in the [public] sector is making on average 30 to 40 less," the Republican gubernatorial candidate said on Aug. 26, 2010.

When it comes to national averages, he's correct. But a closer look at these numbers tells a different story.

The Evidence

Emmer's office clarified that he's talking about total employee compensation, not just salaries. He also is speaking of state and local employees, not federal workers. When overall compensation, including benefits, is taken into account, private sector employees make about $27.73 an hour while public sector employees make about $39.81 an hour, according to the most recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So overall, public sector employees make about 43.6 percent more in total compensation.

However, these numbers can be misleading because they include wages and how much it costs employers to provide benefits. For instance, a public sector worker is paid an average of $26.25 an hour. On top of that, it costs the government an additional $13.56 on average to cover health care, paid leave and other benefits -- for a total of $39.81 per worker.

So, it's useful to look only at hourly wages and salary. On average, private sector employees made $19.58 an hour. Meanwhile, public sector employees made $26.25 - about 33 percent more than private sector workers.

Emmer's essentially on the mark when it comes to national averages for public and private sector employment. Still, his statement is misleading for several reasons.
First, he implies that, job for job, public sector workers make 30 to 40 percent more than private sector employees. That's not necessarily true. For instance, the average state government computer programmer makes $29.70 an hour while the average computer programmer working at a private firm makes an average of $36.40 an hour. And a lawyer working for government makes, on average, 26 percent less than a lawyer working at a private firm, according to the Federal Salary Council.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics stresses that it's dangerous to compare public sector average pay to private sector average pay because the government work force is more skilled than the private sector work force, so average hourly pay is naturally lower.

The Verdict

When it comes to national averages, Emmer's correct that public sector employees make 30 to 40 percent more than their private sector counterparts. But his claim is misleading because he implies that this rule works for job-to-job comparisons; in fact, there are plenty of private sector jobs that pay more than public sector jobs. His claim is inconclusive.

SOURCES
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employer Costs for Employee Compensation - March 2010, accessed Aug. 26, 2010
Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2009 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates by ownership: State government, including schools and hospitals, accessed Aug. 26, 2010
Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2009 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates by ownership: Cross-industry, private ownership only, accessed Aug. 26, 2010
Office of the Legislature Auditor, State of Minnesota: State Employee Compensation, Feb. 3, 2000, accessed Aug. 26, 2010
The Federal Salary Council, Memo: Level of Comparability Payments for January 2011 and Other Matters Pertaining to the Locality Pay Program, accessed Aug. 26, 2010
The Cato Institute, Employee Compensation in State and Local Governments, by Chris Edwards, Jan. 2010
The Heritage Foundation, Inflated Federal Pay: How Americans Are Overtaxed to Overpay the Civil Service, by James Shek, July 16, 2010
Interview, Carl Kuhl, Emmer for Governor, Aug. 26, 2010
Interview, Jim Nobles, Legislative Auditor, State of Minnesota, Aug. 26, 2010

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Local tea party groups form state coalition

Posted at 9:47 AM on August 27, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Campaign 2010

Tea party coordinators from throughout the state have announced a new umbrella organization called the Minnesota North Star Tea Party Patriots (MNSTPP).

The coalition is affiliated with the national Tea Party Patriots organization. According to a news release, the goal of MNSTPP is to unite dozens of groups around Minnesota to promote fiscal responsibility, free markets, and Constitutionally limited government.

"We're not here to tell local groups what to do," said board member Randy Liebo. "The point is to keep communication open and coordinate efforts when possible."

Clark hits the air

Posted at 6:25 AM on August 30, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

The ad wars in Minnesota's 6th District have begun. Democrat Tarryl Clark is on the air with a so-called bio ad that describes her as family member, a youth minister, a daughter of a veteran and as someone "who met a payroll." It also discusses how she worked to cut her own expenses in office. You can watch the ad here.

The ad comes one week after GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann went on the air with her "Taxin' Tarryl" ads.

Minneapolis police union backs Dayton

Posted at 11:38 AM on August 30, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis is backing Democrat Mark Dayton in the race for governor.

Union leaders say their board voted unanimously for Dayton after screening all three major party candidates. The federation's previous two endorsements for governor went to Republican Tim Pawlenty. But during a State Capitol news conference today, president John Delmonico said police are not looking at party affiliation.

"I don't like to think of us as a partisan union," Delmonico said. "I like to think of us as we endorse the best candidate. And clearly the last two governors races I believe we endorsed the best candidate. In this race, I believe, I know we're endorsing the best candidate. So I look at it who the person is, what the bring to the table instead of what party they're with."

The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis has more than 800 members. Dayton called it an important endorsement. He also has the backing of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.

State Fair debate on Friday

Posted at 5:11 AM on August 31, 2010 by Tom Scheck (3 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

With a new MPR News/Humphrey Institute poll showing the race for governor too close to call, Friday's State Fair debate could be important for the candidates to highlight their differences.

Democrat Mark Dayton, Republican Tom Emmer and Independence Party candidate Tom Horner have all confirmed for the event.

MPR News is hosting the debate at 11am in Carousel Park on the State Fairgrounds. Stop by if you're at the Fair. If you can't make it, tune in live or listen here.

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Firefighters are supporting Dayton

Posted at 11:18 AM on August 31, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

The statewide union representing firefighters is backing DFL candidate Mark Dayton in the race for governor.

Minnesota Professional Firefighters officials announced their endorsement of Dayton one day after the union representing Minneapolis police backed him. A statewide police union is also supporting Dayton. During a news conference today (Tuesday) outside a Minneapolis fire station, Dayton declared himself the public safety candidate.

"With layoffs in Duluth and consideration in Brainerd of eliminating a paid fire force, it just shows again how continuation of support for local government aids is so crucial to the ability to sustain the essential services that peoples lives depend on," Dayton said.

Firefighters endorsed Republican Tim Pawlenty for governor in 2002 and 2006. MPFF president Tom Thornberg says the union screened several candidates back in June but chose not to make an endorsement until after the primary. He said Republican Tom Emmer was invited but did not participate in the screening.

Tim Kaine headed to Minnesota

Posted at 1:15 PM on August 31, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor

Tim Kaine, chair of the Democratic National Committee, will be in Minnesota tomorrow. DNC spokesman Frank Benenati says Kaine will be "meeting with donors and activists (i.e. raise money).

He will also hold a news conference with Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Mark Dayton, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. The topic of the newser will be Dayton's "commitment to partnerships between state and local government."

Who's in line to be MN House Majority Leader?

Posted at 3:38 PM on August 31, 2010 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Campaign 2010, MN Legislature

There are several DFL members of the Minnesota House who are working to help their colleagues get reelected this year. Some of those candidates are also looking at becoming the second in command of the Minnesota House.

DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher is retiring this year. That means current House Majority Leader Tony Sertich will likely take the House's top spot if Democrats regain the majority. That leaves a vacancy for House Majority Leader.

Several names have popped up. They include Joe Atkins from Inver Grove Heights, Melissa Hortman from Brooklyn Park, Erin Murphy from St. Paul and Steve Simon of St. Louis Park.

All four candidates told me they're interested in the position but are more worried about regaining control of the House.

If the House GOP picks up 21 seats, they'll regain the majority. GOP House Minority Leader Kurt Zellers will be elected Speaker. House GOP spokesman Kevin Watterson says he hasn't heard of anyone talking about the Majority Leader position in the GOP caucus.

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