Striving to distance herself from "cookie-cutter conservatism," former State Auditor Pat Anderson launched her campaign Monday as a Republican candidate for governor, denouncing both the corporate income tax and special business subsidies.
"I am a pro-market Republican, I am not a so-called pro-business Republican," Anderson said, as she formally announced her campaign in the rotunda at the State Capitol.
She said Minnesotans are understandably "frustrated with both Republicans and Democrats," and pledged "to change the debate."
Still, Anderson shares many of the beliefs of other Republicans in the race for governor, including opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage. To close an expected billion-dollar budget gap, she proposed cutting government spending but wasn't specific about what to cut.
Anderson also called for extending the sales tax to clothing purchases and services, and for lowering personal income taxes "across the board."
She was flanked by family and a small band of supporters during her announcement at the Capitol, which began a 14-stop tour around the state.
In criticizing taxpayer-financed subsidies for some businesses, Anderson said she opposed the JOBZ program pushed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a fellow Republican. The program waives taxes for targeted businesses in an effort to create jobs, but has been accused of lacking accountability and harming unsubsidized businesses.
"I believe that we need to have a level playing ground for all business, and we need to have a positive business climate, but it is not government's role to pick and choose winners or losers," she said.
