Horner kicks off his campaign
Tom Horner, a public relations executive and former Republican contributor to MPR, officially kicked off his campaign for governor today as a member of the Independence Party. Horner, who was flanked by former Republican Senator Dave Durenberger and Democratic Senator Tim Penney, said he's best suited for voters who are unhappy with the Democratic and Republican parties.
"The opportunity this year is to win those 30 percent of Republicans, who I believe absolutely will not vote for Tom Emmer, and the 25 to 30 percent of Democrats who are more moderate than what that party is proposing. I can win those two groups."
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On the issues, Horner said his approach to the budget would be to cut the corporate income tax rate and the capital gains tax but also increase cigarette taxes. He also said he would expand the state's sales tax to services but cut the overall rate.
Horner also said he's willing to support state funds to pay for a new Vikings stadium, would work to provide marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples and would continue to allow public funding of abortions.
Here's video of his Q and A:
The MNGOP and DFL both issued news released quickly reacting to Horner's announcement.
The DFL touted Horner's past Republican ties:
The Tale of Two Republicans
Tom Emmer vs. Tom Horner - GOP unity lasts one day
St. Paul (May 4, 2010) - The battle of the two Republicans continues this week as longtime GOP spokesman Tom Horner officially kicks off his gubernatorial campaign. The following posting from Horner's Facebook page makes it all too clear:
"I was a huge Marty Seifert supporter and now I support Tom Horner for Governor!"
"It's not surprising that Minnesota Republicans are already dividing their support between the two candidates," said Donald McFarland, DFL spokesperson. "For years, Minnesotans have heard Tom Horner on the radio doing the bidding of Tim Pawlenty, the Republicans in the legislature, and the rest of the Republican Party of Minnesota. Why shouldn't Republicans support him?"
McFarland added, "Isn't it ironic that the day after the Republicans held a unity tour at airport hangers across the state, one of their best friends officially announces that he will run against them in the November election?"
Meanwhile, the MNGOP issued a news release touting his "insider status"
30-Year Political Insider Tom Horner Launches Vanity Campaign for Governor
St. Paul- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton today issued the following statement regarding Tom Horner's campaign for governor on the Independence Party ticket.
"The Independence Party has been losing influence for years and this year will be no exception. Tom Horner's support for tax increases, transit boondoggles, and taxpayer funding of abortions make him the perfect Independence Party candidate. Horner comes from a long line of failed Independence Party candidates who talk moderation, but when push comes to shove, they always choose the liberal position. While Tom Emmer brings his life experience, authenticity and a plan for reforming government and returning Minnesota to prosperity, Tom Horner and the deeply divided Democrats offer nothing but decades in politics and political spin."
Horner is vying for the I-P endorsement with Rob Hahn, John Uldrich, Rahn Workcuff and Chris Pfeifer. I-P delegates are scheduled to endorse a candidate on Saturday.
I'll post video of Horner's news conference once it's encoded.