Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr wants to make sure people know it has nothing to do with a Minnesota Vikings stadium.
"I am a total non-fan, so whatever happens doesn't make any difference to me," Landwehr said of the $1 billion Vikings stadium now awaiting a critical vote Monday in the House and Senate.
Landwehr is an appointee of Gov. Mark Dayton, perhaps the state's biggest stadium proponent. So it was odd at first glance that the DNR commissioner was one of eight people who gave at least $100 to the campaign of Blake Huffman, a Shoreview City Council member and Ramsey County commissioner candidate.
Huffman is a strong critic of Ramsey County's failed plan to build the stadium in Arden Hills, and is challenging Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennett, one of the architects of the Arden Hills proposal.
Dayton had always been less than supportive of a Vikings stadium in Arden Hills, and the plan the DFL governor hopes passes the Legislature would instead build the stadium in downtown Minneapolis.
Landwehr's donation came in November, just as Arden Hills – which the Vikings once preferred -- was battling with Minneapolis to be chosen for the stadium.
Landwehr said it had nothing to do with stadiums, and everything to do with friendships – Landwehr said he once served on the Shoreview City Council with Huffman.
"He is a friend," said Landwehr. "I think Blake would be a good county commissioner.
