Dayton keeps opponents on their heels

In the three-way DFL race for governor, Mark Dayton is taking an increasingly aggressive tack that appears to be keeping his competitors on the defensive as it boosts his profile.

A Thursday news conference was the latest example, with Dayton declaring he had offered the most detailed budget plans and daring rivals to do the same.

"They say they are ready to lead from Day 1, yet it's been months since they have become candidates for governor and they have offered only Pablum and platitudes," said Dayton, referring to Margaret Anderson Kelliher, the DFL endorsee, and challenger Matt Entenza.

"It's time they leveled with the people of Minnesota about how much money they intend to raise from taxes, from whom, and exactly where and how much they intend to cut spending, or shift it," Dayton said.

Dayton's challenge resulted in a flurry of statements and reaction from rivals, with Kelliher calling Dayton's "tax the rich" approach "unrealistic and irresponsible." Entenza then released a statement insisting that he, too, had detailed budget plans.

Dayton has made several similar tactical moves recently as the Aug. 10 DFL primary nears.

Earlier this week, the department store heir released his tax returns and challenged his rivals to do the same. Kelliher did so within hours. Entenza declined.

Dayton has offered the most complete budget plan to deal with the state's projected $6 billion shortfall, but his signature solution has also drawn the most fire: "Tax the rich." By taxing Minnesota's highest earners at the same rate as everyone else, Dayton figures he can raise an additional $4 billion.

"My opponents are all criticizing me for raising money from the richest Minnesotans to reduce that deficit; however, for every $1 billion they don't raise in revenue, they will have to cut $1 billion in spending to balance the budget," he said.

Kelliher, Minnesota Speaker of the House, said "After balancing the budget four times, I know this is more than a math problem." Kelliher advocates what she calls a balanced budget approach, including unspecified tax increases for high earners and some budget cuts.

"Our budget is about setting priorities based on Minnesota values: good jobs, great schools and safe communities," she said.

Entenza also favors the balanced approach.

Republican endorsee Tom Emmer, who has no primary challenger, expects to release his budget plan in September, which his campaign said is ample time for Minnesotans to review the details. Emmer is the only candidate to pledge to balance the budget solely through cuts and an as-yet-undefined overhaul of state government.

"Being governor is not just about the budget," said Emmer spokesman Bill Walsh. "People will get our plan, but first we have to listen."

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner, who has also drawn praise for releasing a budget proposal, said he shared Dayton's belief that the candidates should release their plan.

"Dayton has, and it's time for the other candidates to do the same," Horner said.

Walsh said that after the Almanac debate, Dayton had his DFL rivals "on the defensive, for sure."

"He's shown some impressive courage and it behooves other candidates, Republican or Democratic, to come out with some plans," said Wolsborn, chairwoman of political science at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University.

Dayton said his recent boldness isn't part of any strategy. The decision to release his taxes came after requests from the media, for instance.

But Dayton, who has run for office in Minnesota for the better part of 30 years, said something has changed from his previous campaigns.

"I am 63 years old and I know what I believe," Dayton said. "I have a stronger sense of myself as a person, and as a leader, than ever before."