politics

The Minnesota State Fair brings out the wonders and the wackiness of the state's politics.

Sure, voters can grill leaders and wannabe leaders on serious issues -- each of the three major gubernatorial candidates will be at the fair nearly every day next week. But they also can enjoy some goofy political stunts.

Offered this year at the fair:

•Big bulldog: Free temporary tattoos at Republican auditor candidate Patricia Anderson's booth, which has a massive bulldog on its roof. The former auditor, who calls herself the "taxpayer's bulldog," is challenging DFL State Auditor Rebecca Otto.

•Tracker tracking: New "uniforms" for Republican trackers to wear while videotaping DFL candidate Mark Dayton. The uniforms include T-shirts that read "I'm with the guy who wants to raise your taxes" and "I'm with one of America's Worst Senators." Dayton had complained that the hired guns who follow him and videotape his every move had become intrusive and suggested they wear identification. "We are happy to accommodate his wishes," said Michael Brodkorb, the Republican Party's deputy chair. "If he has any future requests, we are all ears."

•Potty politics: Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner is willing to go just about anywhere to deliver his message to potential supporters. He has posters in several fairgrounds restrooms that read: "Too far right. Too far left. Not good in here. Not good in the governor's office" and "Pushing solutions. Not extreme agendas." (Sound off with your opinion about the placement here -- www.bit.ly/b9CAuN.)

RACHEL E. STASSEN-BERGER

New ad smacks Dayton hard

Minnesota's Future, a independent expenditure group, released a tough new ad against DFL candidate for governor Mark Dayton.

"Higher income taxes, higher property taxes, even an e-mail tax," the ad's faceless voice intones. "Named one of America's worst senators. Now Mark Dayton wants to be one of America's worst governors."

The funders behind the Minnesota's Future group, which has ties to GOP operative Jeff Larson and other Minnesota Republican power players, put a lot of cash behind the buy. Chris Tiedeman, chair of the group, said they've spent about as much or more than the liberal Alliance for a Better Minnesota spent running one of its ads against Republican candidate Tom Emmer.

Tiedeman said Minnesota's Future is likely to roll out more ads. "The people who are contributing to this want to make sure we will have a pro-jobs governor," he said.

Dayton smacks back

Dayton spokeswoman Katherine Tinucci called the ad "lies, lies and more lies from people who won't identify themselves. Mark has made it absolutely clear that his plan ... will raise taxes only on the richest Minnesotans" and prevent property tax increases.

She said Dayton promised in 2003 to vote against any e-mail tax in the U.S. Senate and "has never suggested it in this campaign."

Dayton's income tax plan would hit singles earning $130,000 or more in taxable income and couples earning $150,000 or more. Dayton also proposed raising property taxes on million-dollar homes, noting that when the state cut aid to cities and counties during Gov. Tim Pawlenty's tenure, local governments relied more on property taxes.

RACHEL E. STASSEN-BERGER