Horner tries to woo business titans at Wayzata fundraiser

On a drizzly night on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner stood inside a towering white tent that glowed with sparkling lights.

Nursing a glass of white wine Wednesday, the former public relations executive mingled with more than 200 business and community leaders who gathered to see if he had what it takes to be Minnesota's next governor.

It was a fundraiser like few others for Horner, the campaign said. He was greeted with a rousing introduction by former Gov. Arne Carlson, a moderate Republican who endorsed Horner.

Horner lacks the campaign machinery and financial fire power of his rivals, but he has deep ties to the business community that he hopes will help clear a path to the governor's mansion.

While not everyone was a true believer at the 90-minute gathering, they were listening.

Standing on a small stage, he pledged transparency if he decides to accept money from political groups. He talked about paying for the state's share of a new Minnesota Vikings stadium without burdening all Minnesotans.

Nate Garvis, a Target Corp. vice president and Horner backer, said this election season offers the "the perfect storm" for Horner. DFLer Mark Dayton and Republican Tom Emmer "are caricatures" who embody the far right and the far left.

He liked telling the story that the home was previously owned by department store magnate Ken and Judy Dayton, Mark Dayton's aunt and uncle.

That wasn't the only Dayton twist of the evening.

As waitresses in black-and-white attire served wine and bags of popcorn, there stood Robert Dayton laughing and chatting with Horner, who has his support.

"He's my best choice for a candidate for governor," said Dayton, a cousin of Horner's DFL rival.

Dayton said he told his cousin – who leads or is tied with Emmer in most polls -- about his political allegiance.

Horner also trails badly in the polls, and many people aren't willing to sign on until there's a clear sign he can win.

"I am here to test the water," said Angus Wurtele, former CEO of Valspar.

Sherry Cooper, a local philanthropist, pressed Horner on whether he'd take money from political groups.

Horner said the Independence Party forbids it, but he added that there's an active debate among campaign staff and party leaders.

Cooper said her fear is that Horner might accept the money and then fall prey to the demands of the special interest groups, which she feels has tarnished the other two parties.

As 7 p.m. came and the speeches ended, the valets retrieved a parade of BMWs, Audis and Range Rovers that whisked away attendees.