House GOP starts running gas tax ads but not at gas stations

Republican House Minority Leader Marty Seifert announced that his caucus will start running TV ads ripping Democrats for the gas tax increase.

Seifert initially hoped to run the ads on fuel pump TV monitors at gas stations but officials with Holiday Stores told him they won't allow any political advertising. Seifert said he's hoping Super America agrees to run the ads. He said the tax increase is driving up all sorts of costs.

"This is something that affects every single people in the state because it costs more at the grocery store. It costs you more to go visit Grandma. It costs you more to drive somewhere. It costs your kids more to go to school. It really pinches everybody across the board. Top to bottom."

But DFL House Majority Leader Tony Sertich said Republicans are trying to confuse the issue.

"Minnesotans are concerned about the price of gas but the effect that we have on it is very minimal. It's about supply and demand, world oil prices and like I said, the excessive oil profits. That's what we need to attack if we want to look at this gas issue."

Seifert said the 15 second ads will run on KSTP, WCCO and KARE starting Tuesday night. As of Monday afternoon, WCCO and KSTP reported no ad buys by the House Republican Campaign Committee.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.