Johnson releases three more ads before Election Day

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson is going up with three more ads before he faces off against Gov. Mark Dayton on Nov. 4.

One of the ads, "Afterthought," plays on a theme Republicans across the state have focused on for months -- that Dayton's administration is too focused on issues in the Twin Cities and not enough on greater Minnesota.

"My wife Sondi and I were born and raised in greater Minnesota," says Johnson, who grew up in Detroit Lakes. "That's why it's so frustrating to watch Mark Dayton treat us like an afterthought. Whether it's unfair school funding, light rail and trolleys in the metro. I understand and appreciate greater Minnesota and I'll make it a priority when I'm governor."

Another ad, "Champion," is nearly identical to "Afterthought," but is targeted at voters on the Iron Range who are split over mining.

"Whether it's unfair school funding, light rail and trolleys in the metro, or hostility to mining projects like PolyMet," Johnson said referring to the copper/nickel mining project that has become a flash point in this year's election. "Let's be honest: If Mark Dayton is re-elected, PolyMet is dead."

Meanwhile, Dayton is out with his fourth ad as well. It's called "Better Chance" and focuses on Dayton and the DFL Legislature's efforts to expand all-day kindergarten and early childhood education, and features Dayton interacting with kids at a pre-school.

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