Seifert and Emmer make their final pitches

Republican gubernatorial hopefuls Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert are making their last minute pitches to delegates. Both campaigns sent e-mail messages to supporters within two minutes of each other.

Emmer wrote a note to delegates saying this weekend's endorsement convention is "history in the making." Here's part of the e-mail:

I started this campaign as the "guy from Delano," with a vision for the future of our state, and the passion and energy to reach out to voters across Minnesota. We have been steadily building our support over the last nine months and Friday I will stand before you ready to take the mantle of leadership for our party as your nominee for governor.

It has been an honor to receive the support of 28 of my legislative colleagues - the most of anyone in the race. They work with me at the Capitol every day and it is truly humbling to see them stand up and announce their public support of our campaign.

I have also appreciated the support and guidance from some of Minnesota's top conservative voices including Brian Sullivan, Rod Grams, Mary Kiffmeyer, Carol Molnau, Laura Brod and Mike Wigley. And of course I am very proud to be running with Annette Meeks - her experience and leadership ability add great strength to our team for the November election.

The most important support I've received has come from my family. Many of you have met my wife and best friend in the world Jacquie, and this weekend our seven children will join us at the convention to support their dad. They are the reason we're running for governor, and their generation - your children and ours - will be in my thoughts during each policy debate and every major decision.

The only thing left to do is to humbly ask for your vote. You worked hard and made sacrifices to be here today to make this important decision for our party and our state. With your support, I will work hard to turn our principles into action on behalf of you and the entire state of Minnesota. I will not let you down.

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Meanwhile...

Seifert's e-mail notifies delegates of their Thursday night party at the convention center. He also stressed his background and electability. Here's part of his e-mail:

As the sixth son of a father with only an 8th grade education, I know firsthand the promises and opportunities our state offers. With your help, we will put Minnesota back on the path to prosperity and freedom, and ensure that our children and grandchildren enjoy the same opportunities as they grow up in Minnesota.

But first we must defeat incredible threats to our state's future. Our economy continues to falter under the heavy hand of government interventionism. Too many of our family members or neighbors are without work, or our anxious about their jobs and their future. And our very society seems to be fraying in unexpected ways.

Although Minnesota Democrats are not yet united behind one candidate for governor, they are united in one terrifying belief: that government knows best and that government is the answer to all questions.

But we Republicans know better. And that's why this is our year.

Over the course of my campaign, I have presented my vision for Minnesota to you. I believe Republicans - and all Minnesotans - are thirsty for real solutions - not just platitudes or canned talking points. It is one thing to talk about vision - it is another to clearly lay out plans and policies to address the challenging problems facing Minnesota.

I hope that I have earned your vote. I hope that I may earn your continued confidence in the future. I humbly ask for both.

The leadership of our party is a monumental responsibility. If you bestow your endorsement on me, I will be a Republican nominee and governor whom you can be proud of. I will remember my roots and I will actively listen to the wisdom of grassroots activists like you as we move our state and country back in the direction of a brighter future for us all.

Thanks again for your tireless efforts on behalf of the conservative cause and your many courtesies on the campaign trail.

Friday's endorsing convention is critical for both candidates since Emmer and Seifert say they'll drop out of the race if they don't win party backing.