MINNESOTA GOVERNOR RACE

By Andrew Pooch

In early August, Minnesota held primaries for the gubernatorial race that will be decided on November 2. The three front runners are Republican Tom Emmer, State Representative; Democrat Mark Dayton, former U.S Senator; and Independent Tom Horner. Minnesota has a history of making unexpected decisions when it comes to elections. In 1998, an Independent candidate came in and unexpectedly won the election. His name was Jesse Ventura. This precedent for Minnesota informs us that three parties should be considered and not just the big two. As of August 13, 2010, The Rasmussen Reports is a polling website that has Dayton with 45%, Emmer 36% and Horner with 10% of the vote. These percentages show that once a toss-up state, Minnesota is now leaning Democrat.

This election may seem different for most Minnesotans. ABC news reported that since the U.S Supreme court erased the limits on corporate and union campaign spending, citizens should brace themselves for a new type of advertising this fall. The variety of the ads will increase with the "barrage of harsh attacks" back and forth between parties. Tom Diemer of Politics Daily reported Mark Dayton spending $3 million dollars on a campaign that helped him win the primary election.

The big issues on the table this fall includes: job creation, education, taxes and health care reform to name a few. The Candidate’s Websites supplied their stances on the issues. Emmer and Dayton both agree that changes need to be made in education. Dayton wants to increase teacher's salaries, lower class sizes and have all day kindergarten. Emmer wants funding for schools to increase, teachers to be rewarded for good work and higher standards for licensure. Both candidates believe the creation of jobs can be found in a state stimulus package that will provide government jobs to projects such as highway and mass transit.

Emmer and Dayton differ on the view of taxes. Dayton would like to see taxes raised for wealthier classes and spending to be reduced. Emmer has had an opinion about how hospitality workers should treat their tips. He recently decided that tips should be between the server and the customer. The state government shouldn’t be allowed to meddle with that money. He says on his Website that he does not want to reduce minimum wage, but other sources contradict his message.

Health care reform is another big issue for Minnesota. Emmer would like to see Minnesota take control of their health care. He believes we have some of the best care and that everyone should be able to have it. Dayton wants the health care to be more affordable and reach more Minnesotans. He wants better benefits for employees of the public school system.

Mark Dayton previously served Minnesota in the U.S Senate. He currently has endorsements from the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, Mesabi Daily News, AFSCME and United Steel Workers.

Tom Emmer is in the Minnesota House of Representatives for the 19B district. Emmer has endorsements from twenty-seven elected officials, statewide leaders and congressional district leaders.

Tom Horner is a native Minnesotan who has worked in the Minnesota capitol. He has also owned his own business. He has endorsements from former senator David Durenberger and former congressman Tim Penny.

Websites used in the paper:
www.markdayton.org
www.emmerforgovernor.com
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/minnesota/election_2010_minnesota_governor
http://theraabereview.com/2010/08/03/the-great-mn-governors-race-2010-pre-primary-roundup/