Campaign 2010

DNC chairman in Minn., campaigning for Dayton

by Tim Nelson, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Democratic National Committee chairman and former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine is in Minnesota today, campaigning for this fall's elections.

Kaine spoke in Minneapolis this morning to voice the party's support for DFL gubernatorial hopeful Mark Dayton. He called him a sensible alternative to Republican nominee Tom Emmer.

He also said Minnesota's governor's race was one of the top five on the party's list of hoped-for pickups in gubernatorial seats they don't hold.

Republicans said they think Kaine's visit will only energize Emmer supporters, and said they'd even welcome more Democrats in 2012.

Minneapolis is in the running to host the next Democratic National Convention, and it would be good for Minnesota, said Michael Brodkorb, deputy chair of the Minnesota Republican party.

"If the Democrats come here, I think that's a great opportunity for Republicans to contrast, and I'll certainly be there in some capacity," he said.

Dayton and Emmer were neck in neck in the the most recent poll, conducted by MPR News and the University of Minnesota.