Today's Question Category Archive: 2010 Governor's Race

Are your taxes fair?

Posted at 5:00 AM on April 8, 2011 by Eric Ringham (43 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Economy

If you haven't filed your state and federal tax returns yet, you've only got about another week to do so. Because of how the weekend falls, the deadline this year is April 18. Today's Question: Are your taxes fair?

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What can we do to make our public officials safer?

Posted at 5:00 AM on January 10, 2011 by Eric Ringham (62 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Politics/Government

The shootings of a congresswoman, a judge and 18 others in Arizona on Saturday are a graphic reminder of the dangers of public service. Today's Question: What can we do to make our public officials safer?

Update: Commentary Editor Eric Ringham spoke with Host Tom Crann on All Things Considered about what we've been hearing from listeners:

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Do you have confidence in the Minnesota recount process?

Posted at 5:00 AM on November 23, 2010 by Eric Ringham (34 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Politics/Government

Officials could soon begin a hand recount of 2 million ballots cast in this month's voting for a Minnesota governor. Today's Question: Do you have confidence in the Minnesota recount process?

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What lesson of the 2008 recount should Minnesota remember this time?

Posted at 5:00 AM on November 4, 2010 by Eric Ringham (20 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Politics/Government

For the second time in two years, a statewide election is so close that a recount will likely determine its outcome. Today's Question: What lesson of the 2008 recount should Minnesota remember this time?

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What are the three best reasons to support your candidate for governor?

Posted at 5:00 AM on November 1, 2010 by Eric Ringham (29 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Politics/Government

Each Monday leading up to Election Day, we've asked a question related to the race for Minnesota governor. Today's Question: What are the three best reasons to support your candidate?

Republican candidate Tom Emmer:

Running for governor of Minnesota has been an honor and a privilege. It would be another great honor to serve the people of Minnesota if elected governor.
We have produced a complete, balanced budget that deals with Minnesota's fiscal reality by asking government to live within its means and we are the only ones to do so without raising taxes on middle-class Minnesotans. As a political outsider, it is time for leadership that represents everyday Minnesotans. My wife Jacquie and I will do just that. Lastly, as a small business owner, I understand the most important issue facing Minnesota is growing jobs. We will work aggressively to put Minnesotans back to work. Thank you and we appreciate your support on Tuesday.

As former economic development commissioner, I have proven experience in helping bring new jobs to Minnesota, which will be my priority as governor. I am the only candidate who will not raise taxes on middle-income Minnesotans, but only on the wealthiest. And I will invest those revenues in better education, so our children and grandchildren can be successful in the global economy. I respectfully ask for your support on Tuesday.

First, virtually every major newspaper, former governors, and local 
officials who have endorsed a candidate have endorsed me. They must 
know something.
Second, I'm the only candidate who has the experience, ability and 
temperament to break the gridlock and put Minnesota back to work.
And third, when you have a problem you don't look for solutions to 
those who created the problem in the first place.
Minnesota -- we need new answers, new parties and new leaders.

Click here to see answers to the other questions in this series.

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Has political spending by outside groups in this year's campaign been a good thing?

Posted at 5:00 AM on October 25, 2010 by Eric Ringham (31 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Politics/Government

Each Monday now through the election, we'll pose a question related to the race for governor. Today's Question: Has political spending by outside groups in this year's campaign been a good thing?

Republican candidate Tom Emmer:

Independent expenditures allow individuals and others the opportunity to express and advocate for their points of view. When done as allowed by law, it is an expression of speech that can be positive if they have honest dialogue about issues.

We will continue to campaign on our positive message of government living within its means and creating jobs.

Democratic candidate Mark Dayton:

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that our Constitution's First Amendment, which is, of course, fundamental to our democracy, protects political expenditures. What is needed, however, is full disclosure of the actual sources of all that money, so voters know who is behind it, and whose interests are really being represented. I will insist on that legislation for Minnesota, if I'm elected governor.

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner:

Outside spending -- especially by national special interest groups -- puts Minnesota's future up for sale. Their focus is on negative ads and dividing Minnesotans. It will only stop when candidates show the leadership to stand up to these organizations and tell them to stop.

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What role should a governor's religion play in his performance in office?

Posted at 5:00 AM on October 18, 2010 by Eric Ringham (24 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Politics/Government, Religion/Ethics

Each Monday now through the election, we'll pose a question on an issue that's pertinent to the race for Minnesota governor. Today's Question: What role should a governor's religion play in his performance in office?

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner:

My faith is a key part of defining who I am and the values I bring to all that I do in my life. But the tenets of a particular religion don't define public policy.

Republican candidate Tom Emmer:

People are shaped and influenced by their religious connections and involvement. My wife Jacquie and I and our children are involved with our local church, and it is an important aspect of our lives.

As governor, I believe you are elected to serve and represent Minnesotans of all backgrounds and religious affiliations. The priorities we have identified, such as job creation and making government live within its means are issues important to all Minnesotans.

Democratic candidate Mark Dayton:

A person's religion shapes his or her values; however, our country was founded on the principle of separation of church and state.

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What should be the public contribution to a Vikings stadium?

Posted at 5:00 AM on October 11, 2010 by Eric Ringham (56 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Culture, Politics/Government

Each Monday now through the election, we'll pose a question on an issue that's pertinent to the race for Minnesota governor. Today's Question: What should be the public contribution to a Vikings stadium?

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner:

Leadership requires candidates to offer details, especially on controversial issues. I'm the only candidate to offer a specific plan for a stadium -- the details of which are available at Horner2010.com. My plan says that those who benefit the most from a new stadium and those who use a stadium will pay for it. The proposal I've put together allows taxpayers who don't want to support a stadium to avoid paying one cent. But I've also said that we won't take up this issue until after we have dealt with the far more urgent matters of the budget, jobs, education and other key issues -- and we won't use a single penny of general revenue money to pay for a stadium.

Democratic candidate Mark Dayton:

Any new stadium must be a "People's Stadium" where the financial benefits to all Minnesotans from the taxes paid by 8,000 people working for three years to build it and other public benefits are greater than any public cost. As governor, I would try to negotiate that good deal for the people of Minnesota.

Republican candidate Tom Emmer:

We need to recognize that our sports teams are businesses, and every business is important to Minnesota. As governor I would work as hard to keep the Vikings in Minnesota as I would to keep 3M and Cargill here. Like every other business we want the Vikings to be successful and we should help them facilitate potential local partnerships that will ensure their future success in Minnesota. Nobody wants to see the Vikings leave and I am committed to keeping the Vikings in Minnesota.

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How would you like to change Minnesota's relationship with its immigrant communities?

Posted at 5:00 AM on October 4, 2010 by Eric Ringham (21 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Immigration, Politics/Government

Each Monday now through the election, we'll pose a question on an issue that's pertinent to the race for Minnesota governor. Today's Question: How would you like to change Minnesota's relationship with its immigrant communities?

Republican candidate Tom Emmer:

The United States is a nation of immigrants, and we should be proud of the fact that millions of people around the world continue to believe in and
 seek out the promise of the American dream. We believe that immigrants who assimilate as Minnesotans and U.S. citizens and become contributing members of our community are a great asset to the
 state. It is important that we facilitate legal, orderly immigration so that we
 again enjoy the new talent, drive and entrepreneurial spirit immigrants bring to our wonderful country and state.

Democratic candidate Mark Dayton:

I will be a governor who sees our immigrant communities as contributors to our economic success and our social diversity, not as political excuses to generate fear. I will continue to urge the federal government to fix the laws that have created tensions among us.

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner:

Everyone agrees that all people in Minnesota must be here legally. But we need to make sure that Minnesota is a state that embraces the entrepreneurialism and skills of new Minnesotans. Let's make new Minnesotans part of our communities through education, including English language classes.

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Does the debate over same-sex marriage have a place in Minnesota politics?

Posted at 5:00 AM on September 27, 2010 by Eric Ringham (37 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Politics/Government

Each Monday now through the election, we'll pose a question on an issue that's pertinent to the race for Minnesota governor. Today's Question: Does the debate over same-sex marriage have a place in Minnesota politics?

Democratic candidate Mark Dayton:

Absolutely, because under the founding principles of this country, "that all men (and women) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," all Minnesotans should have the right to marry legally the person they love.

Republican candidate Tom Emmer:

Each year, the Minnesota legislature debates and discusses thousands of issues important to Minnesotans. The debate over same-sex marriage is important to many in our state, and it is a part of our political discourse. The focus of this election is growing our economy and putting Minnesotans back to work and will be job one of the next governor.

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner:

Politics -- that is, broadly engaging Minnesotans in understanding the issues and finding common ground on solutions -- is the only way we will forge consensus on same sex marriage and other challenging issues. Otherwise, solutions will be imposed on Minnesota by the courts or narrow interests.

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Should the state's investment in public colleges and universities be greater or smaller?

Posted at 5:00 AM on September 20, 2010 by Eric Ringham (36 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Education, Politics/Government

Each Monday now through the election, we'll pose a question on an issue that's pertinent to the race for Minnesota governor. Today's Question: Should the state's investment in public colleges and universities be greater or smaller?

Democratic candidate Mark Dayton:

Something is seriously wrong, when Minnesotans cannot afford to send their own children to their state's colleges and universities. We must increase our investments to keep higher education affordable for middle-income families.

Republican candidate Tom Emmer:

In the next few years, we need to make 50 years' progress in education reform - we need a 21st century education model for a 21st century economy.

The challenge we face today isn't about accounting or dollars spent - it's a challenge to fundamentally change how we teach our kids to succeed in the modern world.

We have laid out an ambitious, detailed education reform agenda which focuses on three main pillars: improve teacher and school accountability, address teacher effectiveness, and facilitate innovation within our current system.

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner:

Spending more or less on higher education isn't our first question. Next year Minnesota will have a new president of the university system, a new chancellor of MnSCU and a new governor. That's our opportunity to examine our systems and put everything on the table. What do we need from our great two-year and four-year schools? How do we keep building a world-class research university? When we answer those questions we can decide the funding question.

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Does Minnesota need to change its approach to environmental protection?

Posted at 5:00 AM on September 13, 2010 by Eric Ringham (40 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Environment/Energy, Politics/Government

Each Monday now through the election, we'll pose a question on an issue that's pertinent to the race for Minnesota governor. Today's Question: Does Minnesota need to change its approach to environmental protection?

Democratic candidate Mark Dayton:

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency should be renamed the Pollution Reduction Agency, and its mission should become to reduce pollution throughout Minnesota. It also needs to streamline its review procedures so that they take less time, while still providing the protection Minnesotans want and deserve.

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner:

Minnesota shouldn't change its environmental protection values; we do need to improve the process. We need to streamline environmental oversight. In some cases -- protecting the water quality of our lakes, for example -- this will require more cooperation between state and local governments. In other cases -- economic development -- we will do better if we have fewer agencies, making oversight quicker, more predictable and more consistent. Protecting our state's natural assets is a priority. But the approach must be less burdensome for everyone.

Republican candidate Tom Emmer:

Minnesota is a leader in environmental protection. We have some of the strictest standards in the country. Our farmers, outdoorsmen and women, hunters and anglers are the natural conservationists.

Science, technology and the economy have evolved since many of the laws, rules and regulations on environmental protection were first developed. We will review these laws to ensure that our economy is not hindered and our environment remains protected.

Maintaining and preserving our natural resources isn't a partisan issue -- it's a Minnesotan issue. Our approach will be responsible with our resources and will demand efficient and effective permitting of projects that will create jobs.

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Should public schools have to seek voter approval for operating funds?

Posted at 5:00 AM on September 6, 2010 by Eric Ringham (25 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Education, Politics/Government

At the start of each week now through the election, we'll pose a question on an issue that's pertinent to the race for Minnesota governor. Today's Question: Should public schools have to seek voter approval for operating funds?

Democratic candidate Mark Dayton:

Our schools should not have to rely on the property tax to fund our children's education. The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled over 40 years ago that it is unconstitutional. That is why I will increase state funding for public education from the progressive income tax.

Republican candidate Tom Emmer:

Minnesota law provides school districts with the opportunity to seek additional funding by approval of their local taxpayers. I support local taxpayers having the ability to approve or disapprove property tax increases, and believe that referendums give taxpayers an important voice in determining funding and budget decisions made by their local school boards.

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner:

Schools should have voters' approval for new operating levies. With some restrictions, though, I would allow schools to renew levies.

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Do you support an expansion of gambling to generate revenue for the state?

Posted at 5:00 AM on August 30, 2010 by Eric Ringham (47 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Economy, Politics/Government

Each Monday from now until the election, we'll pose a question on an issue that's pertinent to the race for Minnesota governor. Today's Question: Do you support an expansion of gambling to generate revenue for the state?

Republican candidate Tom Emmer:

We live in a world where spending beyond our means is no longer an option.
We balance our family budgets by cutting expenses to pay for essential needs. Food on the table. Clothes for our kids. The roof over our head.

State government must do the same.

In regard to the expansion of gambling, if the legislature passed a proposal for purposes of expanding economic opportunity and allowing for competition in the existing gaming industry, I would, as governor, have to consider signing the bill. On the other hand, if the proposal was presented as an attempt to avoid taking responsibility in seeking meaningful, serious government reform for our state, I would reject the proposal.

DFL candidate Mark Dayton:

I would consider one state-owned casino at the Mall of America to fund five day school weeks and lower class sizes in our public schools.

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner:

A racino at Canterbury and Running Aces makes sense for all Minnesotans. It gives those who want to gamble the opportunity to do so in the security of a state-run casino and it creates new revenue to help solve the state's $6 billion deficit, all while managing the expansion of gambling in Minnesota.

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Does Minnesota have a revenue problem, or a spending problem?

Posted at 5:00 AM on August 23, 2010 by Eric Ringham (55 Comments)
Filed under: 2010 Governor's Race, Politics/Government

Each Monday from now until the election, we'll pose a question on an issue that's pertinent to the race for Minnesota governor. Today's Question: Does Minnesota have a revenue problem, or a spending problem?

For today's TQ, we also asked the three gubernatorial candidates how they would answer.

Republican candidate Tom Emmer:

"Minnesota state government has a serious spending problem. Revenues are projected to increase by nearly $2 billion for the next budget. Spending is projected to increase by almost 17 percent in only 2 years. What family wouldn't be happy with a 7 percent raise in these economic times, yet government says that's not enough.That's unsustainable. And that's why the next Governor will have to reform and restructure state government."

DFL candidate Mark Dayton:

"Minnesota faces another budget crisis that will require both revenue increases and spending reductions. However, state spending during this biennium is 8.2 percent less than in the previous biennium. So, further cuts will inevitably mean higher property taxes, more overcrowded classrooms and higher tuitions for thousands of Minnesotans."

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner:

"Minnesota has a political problem that has blocked good public policy. We need reforms on both the spending and tax sides to allow smart investments in the future for Minnesota."

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