Ortman unveils 'Turnaround Plan' for U.S. Senate run

Minnesota State Sen. Julianne Ortman formally filed her candidacy for U.S. Senate, in the process unveiling a 12-point "Ortman Turnaround Plan" that includes repealing the Affordable Care Act in favor of a state model, eliminating government spying and eliminating the nation's $900 billion budget gap without raising taxes.

It's a blueprint, she said, for a successful run for U.S. Senate.

"I've been working on it as the result of many years of service to the state of Minnesota at the state Capitol, but also in 10 months on the campaign trail listening to Minnesotans concerned about our nation who want to see real solutions," she aid.

Ortman, a lawyer from Chanhassen and 12-veteran of the Senate, of seven Republican candidates vying to take on Democratic Sen. Al Franken, touted her experience as chair of the Minnesota Senate's Tax Committee to close a $5 billion deficit in the state. She can accomplish the same in Washington, she said.

Ortman added that she would oppose gas tax increases and prioritize money for roads and bridges over other projects like the controversial Southwest Light Rail expansion.

"In this case the light rail project from Minneapolis to Eden Prairie is not a priority for Minnesota, yet half the money is being matched from Washington D.C.," Ortman said. "Make no mistake, Minnesota will have to pay both halves."

Ortman's unveiling comes less than two weeks before the Minnesota Republican Party's state convention in Rochester, where she said she will abide by the endorsement. Key, she said, is unifying the Republican Party by reaching as many delegates as possible, but also preparing for a primary should she receive the endorsement.

"My message is broad-based. It's not targeted toward a particular voter or voting bloc, but to all Minnesotans," she said. "The Ortman Turnaround Plan is not about a convention or delegates, it's about the relationship between Minnesota and Washington and the fact that Minnesotans expect better out of Washington from our elected leaders."

View the Ortman turnaround plan here.