A sample of DFL dating in Rochester
The 10 DFL candidates for governor took turns making their pitch to small groups of voters last night during a political event in Rochester.
About 100 people showed up for the gubernatorial forum, sponsored by the Olmsted County DFL. In a format described as speed dating, each candidate spoke to about 10 people at a time. And the small groups rotated every 15 minutes.
Former state representative Matt Entenza talked about his support for alternative energy, public education, health care reform and rural economic development. Entenza also highlighted his time as DFL House minority leader and battling with Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty.
"And you can contrast that with what's happened in the last couple of legislative sessions, where I don't have to tell you things have not gone particularly well," Entenza said. "So, I'm proud of the fact that when the chips were down, I was there to make things work."
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In another group, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher described herself as a leader who brings people together. She pointed specifically to the override of a transportation funding veto. Kelliher also talked about her appeal to voters statewide, including independents.
"I'm actually already attracting a lot of the supporters of Peter Hutchinson into my campaign as donors and supporters already," Kelliher said. "I actually have a district where those folks have lived and given, and I think it's important to go there and attract them into what we have to do."
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak explained that the governor is a chief executive, not a legislator. He described how his own executive experience would help navigate the state out of a looming budget deficit. Rybak also said he would look at expanding the state sales tax to clothing.
"I think clothing is a necessity for many people," Rybak said. "Underwear, yes. Fur coats, maybe not. So maybe over $100 we would introduce a clothing tax. That's one example. It's not something I'm glued to but I think it's only fair for me to say something."
Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner was also stressing her management experience, including the oversight of a $34 million budget. Gaertner says she wants to give Minnesota an opportunity for a fresh start.
"We've lost a lot of ground as a state. A lot of things that we've been so proud of as Minnesotans just isn't the same any more."