Corporate money helping legislative candidates too

MN Forward, a new business-backed group that's using corporate donations to support political candidates, has announced its first list of favored state legislative candidates.

MN Forward plans to send out literature in support of three Republicans and three DFL candidates. Here is the list:

SENATE CANDIDATES

Senator Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka) - Senator Bonoff was chief author of Senate File 2757, a key piece of education reform that would have allowed Minnesota to offer alternative programs like Teach For America and allow mid-career professionals a pathway into the teaching profession for school districts and students struggling to close the achievement gap.

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Rep. Doug Magnus (R-Slayton) - Rep. Magnus is seeking the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Jim Vickerman. Rep. Magnus has served as the ranking member on the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Finance Division and has been a strong voice for spending reform.

Senator Jim Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul) - As chair of the Senate Business, Industry and Jobs Committee, Senator Metzen regularly seeks the input of the business community on issues that would impact job providers. Senator Metzen also serves as President of the Minnesota Senate.

HOUSE CANDIDATES

Rep. Gene Pelowski (DFL-Winona) - Rep. Pelowski broke ranks with his party and voted against a $1 billion tax increase in 2009 and against a veto override attempt on the same bill. That year he had the highest ranking on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce scorecard of any DFL House member.

Rep. Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove) - Rep. Zellers has been a consistent supporter of job providers. He received a 100 on the Minnesota Chamber scorecard in 2010 and a 92 in 2009. He has also been an outspoken supporter of key education reforms like alternative licensure.

Doug Wardlow (R-Eagan) - Doug Wardlow is an attorney with the Minneapolis firm Parker Rosen. He was valedictorian of his Eagan High School class and received a B.A. and J.D. from Georgetown University. His campaign has focused on improving Minnesota's job climate.