politics

WINONA, MINN. - Mark Dayton and Tom Horner's first one-on-one gubernatorial debate Thursday showed that their road maps for the state include some distinct routes.

With about 100 local government officials looking on at the Historical Society in Winona, DFLer Dayton and Independence Party candidate Horner spent nearly an hour debating fiscal issues.

Republican Tom Emmer's absence -- his first in a post-primary debate -- was hard to overlook, given the empty seat at the table and a placard bearing his name. He was attending a fundraiser.

Of particular concern to those in the audience was the future of Local Government Aid, state money given to cities that has fallen in recent years. Horner and Dayton emphasized that adequate LGA funding is essential, and Horner said the state should also eliminate the sales tax paid by local governments.

"You have been responsible," Dayton told the local government officials. "And you have been penalized and castigated for your fiscal responsibility by others who have not been fiscally responsible."

Regarding transportation funding, Dayton said he would not raise the state gasoline tax while Horner said he "wouldn't close the door" to the idea.

Another difference came over health care. Horner slammed Dayton's proposal for a single-payer health-care system as too expensive and politically unfeasible. "How can that possibly be an answer to health care reform?" Horner asked, noting that a progressive think tank estimates a single-payer system would cost $12 billion to $15 billion.

The candidates also sparred over whose tax plan would adequately target the wealthy while not burdening the middle class. Horner said Dayton's plan to raise taxes for higher earners is a tax on "job creators" and regular Minnesotans. Dayton responded that Horner's plan to broaden the sales tax lets the rich off the hook.

As for the criticism that his tax plan would drive people from the state, Dayton said Minnesotans "are better than that."

"I don't believe Minnesotans are going to leave the state," Dayton said. "I don't think they're going to destroy jobs. I don't think they're going to take their businesses ... and move them somewhere else out of spite because they have to pay their fair share of taxes."

Eric Roper • 612-673-1732