Based on recent poll results in the race for governor in Minnesota, incumbent Governor Mark Dayton has a double-digit lead over his top rival, Republican Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson. According to one of the polls, Dayton's approval rating has stayed steady at 56 percent since August. The election is 29 days away and more poll results will be released, but the polls are trending in Dayton's favor.

As I have written before in previous posts, the race for governor in Minnesota has been rather dull. The drama of previous elections has yet to appear in 2014. The first debate between the gubernatorial candidates was last week and it was very calm, unlike the first U.S. Senate debate, between incumbent U.S. Senator Al Franken and Republican Mike McFadden.

The spending by independent and party groups in the race for governor and for control of the Minnesota House of Representatives is down from previous election cycles. So how is Dayton winning this election? By focusing on his current job as governor, a political strategy named for a garden on the grounds of the White House - a Rose Garden campaign.

Taegan Goddard's Political Dictionary defines a Rose Garden campaign as "when an incumbent politician uses the trappings of office to project an image of power for the purposes of re-election." I will add that for this strategy to be successful, the incumbent politician must show competency, effectiveness, and be considered part of the solution to problems, rather than the source of the problems.

Dayton served one term as Minnesota State Audtior ('91 to '95) and one term as U.S. Senator (2001-2007), choosing not to seek re-election to either office. Surpising many Minnesota politicos and disappointing most Republicans, Dayton decided to seek re-election as governor. Having never sought re-election to any political office, many expected Dayton to experience more bumps on the campaign trail.

But to date, Dayton has struck a respectful and appropriate balance between incumbent and candidate. Lawrence Knutson wrote in an article for the Associated Press in 1996 that "there are things that a challenger can promise, but that only an incumbent can do." Dayton's "Newsroom" features all of the press statements, executive orders, and school visits the incumbent Dayton has done and his challenges hope to do if elected.

Campaigning for governor has not prevented Dayton from performing his job as governor. Failing to be an active governor, could hurt his campaign. But based on recent polling, Minnesotans are happy with Dayton's dual roles as incumbent governor and candidate.

Picture source: Office of Governor Mark Dayton