Democrats react to Emmer victory
Margaret Anderson Kelliher, the DFL endorsed candidate for governor, issued a news release that praised Tom Emmer's victory.
"This race for governor is about the people and the future of Minnesota, and I believe voters are ready for honest solutions to the issues we face. I congratulate Tom Emmer on winning the Republican Party endorsement and I look forward to a spirited and civil campaign as we talk to voters all across the state."
But DFL Party Chair Brian Melendez took the gloves off:
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"The Republican Party today blessed the more inflammatory of its two leading candidates and, swayed by a last-minute personal appeal from former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, endorsed state representative Tom Emmer as the Republican gubernatorial candidate. Emmer made news last week when he joined other Republican legislators in proposing a state constitutional amendment that would let a legislative minority block federal legislation in Minnesota. He made news this week when he embraced immigration proposals that even staunch conservatives say go too far. And while he was grandstanding for his Tea Party base about wedge issues, Minnesotans continue to struggle with economic hardships amidst historic job losses.
"Minnesota needs balanced leadership founded on strong policy and vision rather than political posturing. Emmer has continually chosen divisive partisan rhetoric over sound policy, choosing to throw temper tantrums on the House floor instead of putting in the hard work and compromise to deliver results for Minnesotans.
"During these difficult economic times, not only has Tom Emmer failed to propose or support a plan for job creation, he has promised to cut jobs in the state workforce. And his record of opposition to jobs bills in the state legislature speaks for itself.
"The last thing Minnesotans need is another four years of failed Republican policies that have saddled our state with a historic budget deficit, raised property taxes on hardworking citizens, and crippled state programs that Minnesotans rely on. We're looking forward to this year's election, and having Margaret Anderson Kelliher make history - and then make policy and help save jobs - as the next governor of Minnesota."
The chair of the Democratic Governor's Asssociation also issued this statement:
"With a last-minute blessing from Sarah Palin, Tom Emmer tonight claimed the Minnesota Republican nomination for governor. Emmer, who has spent his career as a rubberstamp for Tim Pawlenty's reckless management, has promised to continue his irresponsible and disastrous agenda. Whether it's denying health care to veterans or increasing class sizes, Emmer's record is one of putting Tim Pawlenty's agenda before Minnesota families. Minnesotans want more jobs, not more Tim Pawlenty.
Our strong Democratic candidates have a vision for rebuilding Minnesota that embraces the optimism of the people of state. They know that together Minnesotans can strengthen our schools, create good jobs and restore our prosperity."
Democrat Matt Entenza issued this statement:
Today the Republican Party of Minnesota made its choice for governor. I congratulate Rep. Emmer and look forward to a vigorous campaign and contrast of ideas.
Tom and I certainly give voters a clear choice. We cant cut our way to greatness. If Tom Emmer's idea of cutting education and economic development worked, then Mississippi and Alabama would be leading the nation."
"I have a positive vision for keeping the jobs we have and creating new jobs with the clean energy economy. This will give us the revenue to restore our investment in education so that Minnesota becomes number one again.