The shots aimed at Target over its $150,000 gift to MN Forward, which is touting anti-gay marriage Republican Tom Emmer for governor, have created a dilemma for the handful of DFL legislators the pro-business political fund endorsed this week. Would Sens. Terri Bonoff and James Metzen and Rep. Gene Pelowski say thanks, no thanks, or something else in response to the business group's endorsement?

Bonoff, of Minnetonka, issued a masterful response Friday that opted for "something else." She'll take the corporate praise, but clearly isn't keen on the legal change that made it possible.

"I have always worked hard to maintain a constructive relationship with the business community that puts the needs of our state first. I'm also proud to have a voting record that reflects my commitment to equal rights for the gay and lesbian community, opportunity for working families, and the importance of a high-quality education," Bonoff said.

"I am, however, concerned about the effect of the Supreme Court ruling in the Citizens United case, which opened the door to direct corporate spending in political campaigns. This new influx of money, combined with self-financing millionaire candidates, threatens to drown out the voice of the people who are supposed to be deciding our elections.

"I remain committed to Minnesota's long-standing and proud tradition of campaign finance laws that give everyone a fair chance to have their voice heard and force candidates to focus precious resources on the issues that matter most. I will continue working to defend these laws in the Legislature and call on the members of our state's federal delegation to provide the leadership we need on this issue in Washington." That last line may have been directed at Third District GOP Rep. Eric Paulsen, who voted against stricter campaign finance disclosure rules on June 24. Bonoff was an unsuccessful DFL candidate for Congress in 2008.