Emmer says Target donation controversy 'too personal'

Tom Emmer
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Tom Emmer listens to a question as he meets with restaurant workers during a town hall meeting at Ol' Mexico Restaurante and Cantina Wednesday, July 14, 2010 in Roseville, Minn.
AP Photo/Jim Mone

Republican candidate for governor Tom Emmer said the controversy over Target Corporation giving money to a group supporting him in the Minnesota governor's race is getting too personal.

Gay rights groups and Democrats are calling for a boycott of the company because it gave corporate money to a group running an ad supporting him. Emmer has opposed measures gay rights groups support.

Emmer says he's sad that Target's decision to get involved in the race is getting personal.

"We have to get over this personal issue. We have to start talking about who has the positive vision for the future of the state of Minnesota," Emmer said. "The personal emotions, that's human, and I understand it but at some point we have to peel back the emotions and we've got to start asking each other is what we're doing in the state now working?"

Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel sent a letter to employees earlier this week saying the company is focused on issues impacting the retailers bottom line.

He wrote that the company's support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender workers is "unwavering."

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