GOP gubernatorial hopefuls out in force

In a vibrant and fast-paced debate Friday night, Republican candidates for governor told a packed crowd why they would make the best replacement for Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

By RACHEL STASSEN-BERGER, Star Tribune

Last update: October 3, 2009 - 10:06 AM

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In a vibrant and fast-paced debate Friday night, Republican candidates for governor told a packed crowd about their bedrock conservative principles and why they would make the best replacement for Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

The candidates -- former state auditor Pat Anderson, environmentalist Leslie Davis, state Reps. Tom Emmer, Paul Kohls and Marty Seifert, state Sen. David Hann, Republican activist Phil Herwig and former state lawmaker Bill Haas -- emphatically agreed in answers to six dozen questions that government should be smaller, largely let people make their own decisions and should tax less.

State Sen. Michael Jungbauer was expected at the gathering but did not show, leaving his podium empty during the two-hour state Republican Party convention event.

The candidates got off some popular lines. Seifert concerning professional lobbyists: "Professionals built the Titanic and volunteers built the ark. I'll take the volunteers." Hann, concerning the root of his governing principles: "I'm a Christian." Herwig, regarding whether life begins at conception: "Life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Think about it. Life was first."

Emmer drew applause from the audience by saying that photo identification should be required to vote, Kohls by saying that no public money should be spent on a new Vikings stadium and Hann by saying the state should end the ban on more nuclear power.

The event was a precursor to the convention's big draw today -- a nonbinding straw poll that could give candidates an early look at their support. The poll will give winners bragging rights, and could make losers question their continued candidacies.

After the forum, during which candidates were asked individual questions and had just one minute to respond, some delegates said that their straw-poll decisions were made more difficult.

Cindy Niesen of Minneapolis said that she came to the forum with Anderson as her personal favorite, but, "I have questions now."

Gregory O'Connor of Inver Grove Heights said that he hadn't picked a favorite: "It's a tough decision."

Pawlenty announced over the summer that he would not run for a third term.

Rachel Stassen-Berger • 651-292-0164

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