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.

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