By The UpTake 
The lead is now 9,061 votes for Democrat Mark Dayton to become the next governor of Minnesota. Despite the continued lead, Dayton will wait for an official election certificate through the court process that is leading the recount. The recount numbers are below along with a video of what the recount process looks like.
Tom Emmer's lawyer originally predicted over 8,000 ballot challenges, more than a mouthful for sure.
But the question is if many of these challenges are frivolous and political gameship rather than genuine examples of voter disenfranchisement. Then again, late last night the number of vote challenges began to drop. Perhaps Emmer's campaign is losing steam as the lead for Dayton actually jumped to over 9,000 on day four of the recount.
Emmer has even said that while the integrity of the election is being challenged, he is not "planning an election contest" in his bid to become Minnesota’s governor.
Posted by Spot. Us on 12/03/10In case you didn’t know, Tom Emmer and the Republican Party filed a lawsuit against Minnesota counties for potentially not matching up voters to votes. But Monday the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled to turn it down. Thus an automatic recount will proceed as anticipated.
But with Dayton currently leading by almost 9,000 votes, some feel the results are fairly predictable. Yet just to make sure, religious leaders have called in both Dayton and Emmer to talk about social issues in Minnesota.
Some say the court decision is a positive because it shows this recount is not completely like the 2008 Franken-Coleman experience, although hopfully it will be as inexpensive. And to ensure that is it not, Dayton has even asked the Secretary of State to keep better track of daily results.
Watch live streaming video from theuptake at livestream.com
Earlier this year, Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota in collaboration with the Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance, sent a survey to all of Minnesota’s County Attorneys to learn about their investigations of ineligible voting and prosecutions of voter fraud based on the 2008 elections. The report findings and recommendations were presented at a press conference today at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol.
Posted by Spot. Us on 11/24/10
Tom Emmer and the Republican Party filed a lawsuit last week against St. Louis and Pine counties in Minnesota, saying they have been “too slow” in providing certain public documents entitled to them under the Data Practices Act. The counties responded saying the law simply asks them to give the documents within a reasonable amount of time. They hope to have them in by November 29th, which is the supposed date of the recount. Emmer called the delay “unacceptable foot dragging” while Dayton’s team accused the GOP of simply being on a “fishing expedition.” Emmer refuted the claims saying he is not involved in “stalling tactics” as he justifies his lawsuit.
Posted by Spot. Us on 11/15/10
Tom Emmer originally held a press conference to say he was going to let the recount play itself out but some think behind the scenes he is gearing up for a more intense legal battle then he is letting on, especially after the announcement that former State Supreme Court Justice Eric Magnuson will join his recount team as chief litigator.
Dayton, on the other hand, remains calm about the recount while currently occupied with the decision about his sick dog, but nonetheless has already announced the members of his transition team. Both candidates are still meeting with current Governor Pawlenty to discuss the state’s budget and other issues.
But more than just the candidates themselves, Humphrey Institute held a discussion panel today commenting on the recount to help target the next steps and main issues facing Minnesota.
Watch live streaming video from theuptake at livestream.comAnd Jay Weiner analyzes the recount process in Minnesota comparing this election to past examples.
Scott County’s recount results Republican Tom Emmer, 26,805 Democrat Mark Dayton, 14,455 Independent Tom Horner, 6,091 Hennepin County Canvassing Board Meets for recount
theuptake on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free Posted by Spot. Us on 11/11/10
Our editorial partners MinnPost and The Uptake have been doing a great job keeping up with the election. You can support their work by clicking "Free Credits" on the right and taking a quick survey to earn them more funds to continue their coverage.
Roles are reversed; and Minnesota has currently elected a DFL governor, Mark Dayton with a republican state Senate and House, even replacing long time democrat Jim Oberstar. But GOP leaders are demanding a recount for governor saying Dayton’s 9,000 vote lead “doesn’t smell right.”
And according to current Govenor Tim Pawlenty they have every right to a recount.
The recount will look similar to the 2008 US Senate recount as officials will painstakingly look over all 2 million votes and carefully examine the contested ballots and absentee forms.
Already polling places are giving accounts for glitches in yesterday’s polling process.
After recapping the election, some hypothesized Horner took more votes from Emmer than from Dayton, causing Emmer’s slight trail behind Dayton. But whether Emmer or Dayton takes it in the end, they will be the third successive governor to win with less than the majority vote. Horner, receiving 12% of the vote will now focus on building up the Independence Party’s morale, and a more-centrist Minnesota political vision.
“Absolutely, there should have been more people,” said Jack Uldrich, chairman of the Minnesota Independence Party. “There should have been. We know we have a lot of work to do.”
Current governor Tim Pawlenty says he will stay in office past his term if the contested recount is not resolved by January 3rd. The State Canvassing Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday November 23rd and declare a result no later than three days after completing the canvass. Either candidate could file an election contest lawsuit within five days of the canvassing board certifying the results.
Posted by Spot. Us on 11/03/10It's a beautiful day to have an election all over the state. To usher us in, a MinnPost reporter "dived into the progression of how Minnesota has allowed — or barred — different kinds of people to vote over the years." Some of these folks include felons (still bared), and the interesting rules around race that historically decided who could vote.
Recounts are expected around the country so the folks at Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota have put together a database to watch recounts live. The odds of a Coleman/Franken recount in Minnesota are very slim. Perhaps this could tell us something about the gene pool of Minnesota as scientists are now discovering that DNA play a role in how you vote.
An important correction of the Star Tribune on whether or not you need your photo I.D. The Tribune gets it wrong on its front page. To find out what you need to register/vote - check out MinnPosts breakdown. There's also information to find out where to vote.
Now the candidates have to wait and see who the voters elect. The independent candidate Tom Horner is waiting it out in St. Paul.
They traveled hundreds of miles on the final day of the campaign, and about 9:25 p.m. Monday night, the three buses — one with Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner, one with his running mate, Jim Mulder, and one with his major booster, former U.S. Sen. David Durenberger — converged on Midway Stadium in St. Paul.
For Mark Dayton the day will be very emotional. He will be waiting on the voter turnout and the prognosis about his dog's cancer.
Not sure how you are voting yet? Perhaps The Uptake videos below will inform and help you decide.
Democratic-Farm-Labor party hold a Get Out the Vote Rally in St. Paul. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, Mayors RT Rybak and Chris Coleman and other DFL leaders appear with gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton and his sons, Eric and Andrew Dayton.
Watch live streaming video from theuptake at livestream.com
Supporters Noticing:Emmer Won’t Answer on Abortion – Again
This clip from the final candidate debate is about money, taxes, and the budget that lives with it.
A sparse crowd of supporters rallied for a sparse crowd of attendees at the 26th and final debate of the three major candidates for Minnesota’s Governor’s chair. Sponsored by Minnesota Public Radio, it was staged at St.Paul’s Fitzgerald Theater.
The last gubernatorial debate of a long Minnesota campaign season had a looser format than many. The three leading candidates: Mark Dayton (Democratic-Farm-Labor), Tom Emmer (Republican), and Tom Horner (Independent) asked each other questions as well as answering questions from the audience and Minnesota Public Radio News moderator Gary Eichten. The hour long debate was at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.
Also check out the post-debate interviews.
Elections are this Tuesday, which means campaigns have three days to prove why their candidate is the best. The last week has been all about summarizing the candidate, the party, and the campaign in a way that makes them look better and, more importantly, different.
There is Republican candidate Tom Emmer, the salesman with gusto and a bit of hockey brawler; DFL candidate Mark Dayton, a serious man taking serious work seriously; and Independent Party candidate Tom Horner, a bipartisan army of one ready to engage public and tackle tough issues.
The difference really comes out when comparing each candidate’s stance on certain issues, like the Local Government Aid (LGA) programs, or education.
Polls will also play a big part this weekend as publications predict who will be the next governor of Minnesota. After a poll came out saying Emmer was far behind Dayton, Emmer released an internal poll saying they were tied. In response, political scientist Larry Sabato publicly cautioned against trusting internal polls. But SurveyUSA came to the rescue, backing up Emmer’s claim, saying Emmer trailed by only one point.
And Horner, needing a little extra boost of his own, received an endorsement from former Independent Party Governor of Minnesota Jesse Ventura.
Now is the time for decisions, and in an effort to aid the public’s choice, there have been multiple debates reminding everyone who each candidate is and what they stand for.
The three candidates have debated at Mankato State University, Metro State, and an IT forum where they had to answer how they would utilize technology to its fullest potential. They were also subject to an ‘interview’ debate as an expert then gave advice on how each would do if they were applying for a job.
And for a final test, Uptake explores which candidate’s budget plan would most likely pass the legislature.
Posted by Kristy Pyke on 10/30/10With less than two weeks left in the 2010 Minnesota gubernatorial election, potential candidates receive their final endorsements and make last minute efforts with attack ads.
It would seem as if Horner is winning the endorsements race with big name republicans , Democratic nominee Mark Dayton’s cousin, Mike Ciresi, and large state newspapers such as the Star Tribune as known supporters. With such widespread support for the Independent Party over Republican nominee Tom Emmer, Horner claims the Republican Party is on the decline.
Mark Dayton has received his own support from former state Sen. Bob Lessard, who is a big name in the outdoors sports world.
Dirty tactics and attack ads have always been a touchy subject in political campaigns but Vin Weber says he regrets advising his 1998 candidate not to do so. The 2010 candidates have learned their lesson and have not shied away from taking the offense. The Democratic Farmer Labor Party calls Emmer out for his unusually high mortgage while Emmer responds with complaints about Dayton’s wealth. Republicans have even used creative means to illustrate the state of Horner’s tax proposal. While an extreme activist has also taken drastic yet creative steps with dropping a Dora the Explorer Doll on Emmer’s lap during a public debate.
On the defensive, Emmer said he thought Arizona’s law was ‘wonderful’ but did not say he supported a Minnesota type law and avoided answering questions about other social issues.
Horner takes a positive spin claiming he is the perfect balance between both Dayton and Emmer.
For more on each candidate’s bio click HERE.
Posted by Kristy Pyke on 10/22/10 With the election date approaching voters are seeking to really understand the candidates. MinnPost and The Uptake continue to provide great reporting and video on the topic. You can support their work by donating or clicking "Earn Credits" to take a quick survey that will earn them real funds!
Democrat nominee Mark Dayton and Republican nominee Tom Emmer both seem to be focusing their campaigns with TV ads of personal family life and values as well as tailoring messaging to focus on education.
In a ten minute interview with Republican nominee Tom Emmer MinnPost didn't get any sound bites. There were no "acid-tipped quips ala Sarah Palin. Instead, a reflective candidate defended his experience and his ability to be a good governor. 'I was told by attorney Ron Rosenbaum, 'You're a lot smarter than people give you credit for.' In my mind I interpret that I'm a lot smarter than he thought I was.' Behind the scenes at the Minnesota Legislature, Emmer gets generally high marks from lobbyists who seem bemused at Emmer's Papa Grizzly image. Emmer brings up the subject himself."
The Independent nominee Tom Horner also cleared up some confusion with his tax and budget plan.
"We cannot continue to pretend that any gubernatorial candidate can run on a platform that assumes there is no need to work with the legislature or economic and consumer experts in order to determine a responsible approach to tax reform."
But Emmer wasn’t convinced and jumped at the occasion to blame Horner for not getting his budget proposal reviewed by the Department of Revenue. Check out the Uptake video of the debate.
While the Department of Revenue did review Dayton’s plan, it fell way short in producing the needed revenues. Dayton’s plan ‘B’ does not seem to be doing much better.
An uptake video at a tea party rally for Tom Emmer suggested that swing voters may be turned off by how extreme tea party voters are. Horner, a former republican, feels he is the happy medium between the two.
But Emmer does not agree, complaining that Horner is just another liberal, while ironically the DFLers are calling him a republican.
To his credit Honor seems to be the only candidate taking a firm position on the Vikings stadium issue.
A recent poll saying democrats had a 10% lead over the GOP has some analysts skeptical of the polls accuracy.
Tony Sutton, chairman of the state Republican Party was on the attack and defensive this week. He had attacks for Dayton's wealth but later had to defend his angle.
Meanwhile MN Forward, the independent expenditure group, has released its second TV ad against Mark Dayton and his "bad ideas." MN Forward got into a world of controversy earlier this summer after it was revealed that Target Corp. and other companies contributed to the group, which has been supporting GOP candidate Tom Emmer. But Dayton rebuttals criticism by saying he stands with the people not corporate interests.
The Minnesota DFL did their fair share of criticizing Republican candidate Tom Emmer with the most recent You Tube post called “The Wait for a Plan” and even sponsored a “hunt for Tom Emmer’s Plans” scavenger hunt.
Although Emmer did release two parts of his long-awaited budget plan this week, some suggest it is still pretty vague .
This video from The Uptake suggests that the candidates are going to release more information: "Did Representative Tom Emmer shake hands with Mark Dayton on releasing his budget cuts at the debate in Duluth?"
But it’s all good news for Candidate Horner who recently received support from real estate professionals.
Dayton also received significant backing and support with former president Bill Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden coming to campaign with him. Clinton is said to arrive September 14th and Biden October 5th.
Also from The Uptake: All three candidates debate health care.
But at the end of the day some say the election will determine where Minnesota is at rather then reflect the candidates themselves.
Posted by Spot. Us on 09/10/10 As always - this roundup is made possible through reporting from MinnPost and The Uptake. They are the editorial power behind this pitch and they are the organizations you're helping to support by sharing this content, donating or "earning credits." Speaking of which - you can try our latest "community-focused sponsorship" to earn more credits which turns into REAL money for these organizations so they can continue this great coverage.
After the Minnesota primaries earlier this month the three candidates still remaining are Tom Emmer, representing the Republican Party; Mark Dayton, representing the DFL Party; and Tom Horner, representing the Independence Party.
Doug Grow sums up each candidates main message after a more generic forum sponsored by St. Paul Business Journal and the University of St. Thomas on Tuesday.
But how does Horner plan to invest in education? This was revealed all when he announced his budget outline Monday. But he may have revealed too much.
Both the Republicans and DFL found fault in Horner’s outline and quickly took the opportunity to oppose it.
Republican Tom Emmer has received his fair share of criticism as well. DFL candidate Dayton started complaining about the Republican Party trackers known as GOP (Grand Old Party) Trackers and called a press conference to discuss the "disruptive" and "unprecedented" behavior of political trackers as well as attack ads.
GOP Spokesman: Polite, Courteous and Has A Problem With The Press.
Emmer did not seem to take the complaint seriously, and made a rebuttal by pointing out more questionable ties Dayton has to an organization called Alliance for a Better Minnesota (ABM), which sponsored attack ads and is funded by Dayton’s family.
Candidate Emmer released a new ad last Monday all about his family titled “work” as he tries to put his best foot forward and appeal to the suburban family.
Things have also been turning around for candidate Dayton. The Service Employees Union in Minnesota (SEIU) are now endorsing Dayton and his campaign.
While the candidates did have a debate at General Mills
There is one thing they agree on - JOBZ didn't work.
The three candidates have one more battle to win for the position as Minnesota’s governor on Election Day November 2nd, 2010. But recent studies show that voting may not be as simply as the best candidate wins. A report came out suggesting where you vote and your physical polling place can impact how you vote.
MINNPOST fact check
Emmer misspoke on Minneapolis dropout rate he was also misquoted when referring to Arizona’s immigration law.
More on the three candidates budget proposals and debates.
Governor candidates say yes to more gambling and Vikings stadium.
Dayton and Horner are putting pressure on Emmer to get specific with programs he plans to cut in order to achieve his plan to reduce the $6 billion deficit.
Dayton Urges Pawlenty To Accept $263 Million In Federal Funding.
The gubenetorial election is off to an interesting start as the primaries come to a head. Our partners MinnPost and The Uptake have reported more in the last two weeks than we can keep track. Below is a general sampling including results from the primaries and the week leading up to them.
As we know now it's going to be the DFL party's Mark Dayton, who beat out Kelliher, running against the Republican Tom Emmer and independent Tom Horner. It's looking to be a brutal race from all sides including the press.
It may have been the heat, it may have been because the election ran so late into the night, but a sampling of Minnesota progressives we talked to this morning were reserved in their comments on the result of the DFL Governor Primary.
Before the election
As reported by MinnPost thousands of Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party sample ballots mailed to voters have wrong polling place information. The DFL Party now has to contact each voter by phone to clarify the correct polling place information after sample ballots were sent containing the wrong information. On that note absentee ballots are unusually high this year.
Many feel the numbers of absentee ballots are encouraging and may indicate that Minnesotans are engaged and are planning ahead.
What will be responsible for a fast healing of the pre-primary DFL party? From The Uptake - According to DFL leaders it will be Tom Emmer. Throughout the primary campaign the three DFL candidates for Governor rarely fired at each other, saving most of their ammunition for the Republican Emmer.
Candidates are doing last minute changes before the primaries.
Candidates also talk about their policies
As the primaries near, supporters rally, debates intensify, and the candidates make one last final push before the primaries.
From Minnpost: DFL candidate Matt Entenza names his gubernatorial 'leadership team' across party lines.
Candidate Matt Entenza announced the names of his current and potentially future leadership team. The 24 businesses non-profit and government leaders “will advise him in the final two weeks of the primary campaign and in ‘the future administration.’”
Tenther Tom Emmer meet Tenther Tom Jefferson
Candidate Tom Emmer supports the idea that Minnosota has the right to reject federal laws. Learn more about “Tentherism” and what it means for the century long struggle against federal versus state power.
VIDEO: DFL Candidates debate right before primaries. Followed by DFL Governor Candidates Debate Replay
DFL primary countdown: After lengthy air war, can Kelliher's ground assault change the game?
“So, with 12 days to go, the ground war is one that Kelliher's generals believe — polls aside — they are winning, mostly because, as Tincher puts it — Petraeus-like — they have ‘the assets.’"
From Minnpost: ECM newspaper publishing group backs Kelliher for governor
Candidate Margaret Anderson Kelliher received a major endorsement from a publishing, printing company called ECM publishers. Related from The UpTake: Candidate John Gunyou comments on candidate Kelliher’s endorsement from ECM Publishers
Mark Dayton grabs the pucks for Almanac's 'Budget Slap Shot'
This week DFLer Mark Dayton distributes 100 hockey pucks to show us his budget priorities in our Almanac "Budget Slap Shot."
What Tom Emmer learned from his DWIs
His response: "being responsible, when you make a mistake don't run from it, run to it, address it, make sure you're doing the right things."
Entenza announces Ventura vets on his leadership team
Candidate Matt Entenza announced part of his leadership team will include three of Governor Jesse Ventura's commissioners.
Inependent Party candidates for governor address Vikings stadium issue
Candidates in the Independence Party say "Minnesota can't afford to lose an asset as important as the Vikings."
Candidate speeches caught on video from The Uptake
From MinnPost: Political 'mathematicians' busy speculating on best formula for success in governor's race
Mathematical formula predicts low turnout for the primary election on August 10th.
D-H = EOC
From Uptake: Kelliher Aims at Pawlenty in Latest TV Ad
“Tim Pawlenty isn’t running for Governor, but he is the focus of DFL endorsed candidate Margaret Anderson Kellier’s latest TV ad that will start airing this week.”
From MinnPost: Kelliher: State budget fix could take a couple of years
To solve the projected $5.8 billion budget deficit in the next biennium, Kelliher proposes that 40 percent of that shortfall be corrected by increasing revenue, mostly with “fair and progressive” income tax rates on residents who make more than $250,000, the paper said.
Kelliher will face off in the Aug. 10 primary against Mark Dayton and Matt Entenza. She told the paper she is “feeling good” about her chances, but she expects a very close race.
From MinnPost: Candidates make the most of social media.
Competition spurs ingenuity …
DFL-endorsed candidate for governor Margaret Anderson Kelliher created an “electronic bumper sticker” via Twitter called the Kelliher Twibbon.
Independence Party endorsed Tom Horner now has a "Twitter Town Hall". It is a forum via Twitter to answer questions about Minnesota's future.
From MinnPost: For all you hockey fans: The candidates explain their budget plans visually with hockey pucks.
Like every candidate she put most of her money in education with 48%. Health and human services followed at 29%, which put her in the middle of the pack for spending.
Horner took one of the more balanced approaches by putting the most money 33% in health and human services which eats up an increasing amount of the budget. K-12 and higher education combined for 41%. Local government aids followed at 8%, which ended up on the higher end for the candidates. Public safety received 5%
From The Uptake: Hopkins Raspberries Bring out Candidates
The annual Hopkins Raspberry Festival Grande Day Parade turned out most of the political Who’s Who for the southwestern Twin City suburbs. Lots of pre-election enthusiasm, lots of handshakes and waves.
From MinnPost: Special election in Freeborn County to replace resigning commissioner accused of theft
Special election to replace Linda Tuttle as county commissioner will be held March 15, 2011.
Tuttle reigned Wednesday after being accused of theft
From MinnPost: Norm Coleman reportedly considering challenge to RNC Chairman Michael Steele
Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman announced he is considering running for chairman of the Republican National Committee
From MinnPost: Current Governor visits Iraq
A few weeks ago Spot.Us launched a campaign with MinnPost and The Uptake to cover the Minnesota Gubernatorial race. Below you'll find just the latest news and information about the race produced through The Uptake and MinnPost following their coverage last week. And the reporting will continue!
A seemingly off-hand comment by Tom Emmer about servers who make $100,000 a year has become sort of the all-you-can-eat buffet of Minnesota's gubernatorial race.Both Emmer, the Republican Party's endorsed candidate, and DFLers keep going back to the table for a few more bites.
Emmer, who last week seemed to suggest that servers who receive tips shouldn't be paid a full minimum wage base, has helped keep the issue alive with a made-for-TV event. He went "undercover" as a waiter for a couple of hours, a way of showing his empathy for the servers of the world.
...
Along the way, Emmer also has come out with a number of statements, starting with the fact that the media got his original comment about $100,000 waiters wrong. Since then, he's said he wouldn't ever propose lowering the minimum wage of waiters, but as the minimum increases for other workers, he would favor holding servers to the current rate.
The Uptake has some choice coverage of Tom Emmer At a town hall he held in a restaurant, the Republican endorsed candidate for Minnesota Governor repeatedly insisted he does not want to cut wages for waiters and waitresses. But no matter how it is implemented, the "tip credit" policy he says Minnesota needs would reduce the earning power of servers, which angered many in the crowd.
The Waiter Saga Turned into Pennygate
MinnPost has all the rundown on the penny dropping stunt and more.
The man who dropped thousands of pennies on the table Wednesday during Tom Emmer's Server Summit — and then gave an alias to reporters — says he wants to take the Republican-endorsed gubernatorial candidate up on his offer to talk. But Emmer's campaign says they won't reward such prankster activity with a meeting.The penny-dropper was Nick Espinosa, who gave the name Robert Erickson when pulling his stunt. He says he was trying to draw attention to Emmer's stance on immigration.
In Other News
From MinnPost: IP candidate Horner has plan to strengthen communities.
The plan, released with his Lt. Gov. candidate Jim Mulder, covers three broad areas: creating jobs, improving infrastructure and investing knowledge. Get the details on what that means.
From MinnPost: Kelliher for governor TV ads hit airwaves this week
Television ads for Margaret Anderson Kelliher's run for governor hit the airwaves this week.Her first TV ad in the DFL gubernatorial primary race comes more than two months after competitor Matt Entenza's started running and three weeks after Mark Dayton's.
A preview of the ad is shown here on YouTube (prefaced with a plea to supporters to send more money so the commercial can run more often).
The ad is mostly biographical: tough times on the farm, fighting Gov. Pawlenty, hoping to get Minnesota back to work.
From MinnPost: Dayton asks the other candidates for governor: 'What's your plan?'
Mark Dayton asked all the other candidates for governor: "What's your plan?" The DFLer said he's getting beat up, even by fellow Democrats for his tax the rich plan. He said it's time for his competitors from all parties to get specific.
From The Uptake: Single Payer Health Care Focus for Kelliher and Supporters.: Candidate for Minnesota Governor Margaret Anderson Kelliher fired up her supporters on a weekend of action (dubbed MAKtion by her campaign) at a July 11 Lauderdale, Minnesota rally sponsored by reNEW.mn, a TakeAction program, and Minnesota Health Plan.
From The Uptake: In this video Margaret Anderson Kelliher calls her Republican opponent Tom Emmer's proposal to drop the minimum wage for employees that get tips "like stealing the tips off the table of hard working Minnesotans."
From The Uptake: Candidate for Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton answered press questions on his plans for a "progressive tax system" and why Minnesota's wealthiest should want to pay more taxes.
Posted by Spot. Us on 07/16/10
A few weeks ago Spot.Us launched a campaign with MinnPost and The Uptake to cover the Minnesota Gubernatorial race. And coverage has begun! Below you'll find just the latest news and information about the race produced through The Uptake and MinnPost. You can support their ongoing efforts. If you haven't taken the latest Community-Focused Sponsorship - click where it says "Earn Credits" just above the "Fund Story" button. Make sure you are logged in and by taking a quick survey - you can create more funds for The Uptake and MinnPost to continue their coverage.
As these organizations ramp up their coverage you can expect regular updates.
The ongoing news:
MinnPost is putting together a guide to the candidates. 
The guide lists prominent Minnesotans from various parties who you might have heard mentioned as potential gubernatorial candidates. Some of these people have already said they plan to run, some have said they are thinking about running, some have made clear that they will not run and others have been silent on the question.
We have included in the guide relevant comments each person has made recently about running for governor, a summary of their political and non-political backgrounds and links to their websites and to interesting background material about them.
The guide will be updated as the campaign goes forward and as candidates enter and exit the race, so check back frequently.
The news this week:
The Uptake: GOP's Emmer Would Like To Cut Waiter Wages
Republican Candidate for Governor Tom Emmer says he was surprised to learn that waiters can earn more than $100,000 a year, a good portion of that from tips. (Very few of them do)
From the event: Reporter 2: Are you suggesting we repeal the minimum wage law?
Emmer: Well, I don't know if you could do that. I mean we talked about that before.
Minnesota state Senator John Marty says GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Emmer is using "Bizarre" logic. The comments came during a radio interview on "Quick On The UpTake".
In addition to a recap MinnPost provides some analysis of the claim that waiters make over 100,000 a year.
Minor news this week: Kelliher joins Dayton in releasing tax returns in governor's race.
