Kelliher picks Gunyou
Democrat Margaret Anderson Kelliher decided against picking a DFL mainstay as her running mate and decided to pick a budget expert. Kelliher selected John Gunyou, former Finance Commissioner under Republican Gov. Arne Carlson and current Minnetonka City Manager. She said his budget expertise "is unmatched" in Minnesota.
Kelliher's two opponents in the DFL primary praised Gunyou as an financial expert.
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Here's Entenza's statement:
I've known John Gunyou for many years. He is a good man and cares about Minnesota. Three weeks ago I challenged Speaking Kelliher to a series of debates and have yet to hear back from her. Hopefully now that she has a ticket she will be prepared to join me in talking to voters about how to move Minnesota forward.
My campaign is about making Minnesota great again by embracing the clean energy economy and giving every kid a world class education. I again welcome my opponents to participate in this discussion.
Here's what Dayton told MPR News about Gunyou:
"I always respected him professionally and he certainly brings good expertise on state and local fiscal matters. If I'm fortunate enough to be elected governor he'd certainly be one of the people that I'd be looking to for advice about the state's fiscal situation."
Republican Tom Emmer released this statement on Kelliher's pick of Gunyou:
"In the coming months we will continue to listen to people throughout the state as we lay out our agenda of limited government and lower taxes to promote a more prosperous Minnesota. Both I and Annette (GOP endorsed Lieutenant Governor candidate) look forward to the head-to-head debate over the best direction for Minnesota with whomever wins the Democrat primary."
This is what Independence Party candidate Tom Horner told reporters about Kelliher's pick:
"I think John Gunyou is a terrific pick. He's an outstanding person who has been a great public servant and a very strong pick. But I also think it's a recognition that Speaker kelliher and Democrats need to get over a hurdle of being more taxes and more spending in a year when we're going to have a $7-$9 billion shortfall."