Conservative group targets Democrats on gas tax

Vulnerable DFL senators in eight districts are getting hit with a barrage of ads in the closing days of the legislative session criticizing their stance on a proposed gas tax increase.

The digital ads, which are paid for by the Minnesota Jobs Coalition, a group that backs Republican candidates, are coming at a critical time: Legislative leaders are meeting behind closed doors at the governor's residence trying to negotiate a two-year budget agreement.

A transportation plan isn't part of the budget, but it's become a sticking point that's slowed headway on other issues. DFL Sen. Tom Bakk said that the transportation plan is "dead" as long as House Republicans continue to push for a $2 billion tax cut.

Senate Democrats have backed Gov. Mark Dayton's plan to increase the gas tax by at least 16 cents to raise $6 billion in new revenue for road and bridge construction. They argue the current gas tax structure isn't keeping up with transportation costs.

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Meanwhile, Republicans say the gas tax increase isn't necessary when the state has a $1.9 billion surplus, and they're using the argument to put pressure on DFL Senators who may face a backlash from voters in 2016 for voting to raise the gas tax in a time of surplus.

The digital ads will target the following DFL senators:

Matt Schmit, Red Wing

Vicki Jensen, Owatonna

LeRoy Stumpf, Plummer

Lyle Koenen, Clara City

Kevin Dahle, Northfield

Greg Clausen, Apple Valley

Melisa Franzen, Edina

Bev Scalze, Little Canada