- Calendar « 2014 Mid-term Elections « Statements on August 12, 2014 Primary Results - CT, MN, WI
Democratic Governors Association
DGA STATEMENT ON THE CLEAR CHOICE IN THE RACE FOR CONNECTICUT GOVERNOR
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, tonight issued the following statement regarding primary results in Connecticut and the upcoming general election for governor:“Connecticut Republicans have nominated Tom Foley, an erratic Republican millionaire who would never fight for the middle class as governor. In fact, he’d spend his time rewarding the very wealthiest, like himself, at the expense of middle-class families and critical investments in education. It’s what he’s done his entire career. As a corporate executive, Foley laid off hundreds of workers while he and his fellow executives walked away with $20 million. He’s consistently opposed raising the minimum wage and refused to provide specific plans for what he’d do if elected. That’s because he’s out of touch with the state’s voters and knows they’ll reject him yet again once he’s discovered.”
“The choice in this election could not be more clear. Governor Dan Malloy has led with seriousness of purpose and deep conviction. His steadfast leadership has delivered real results for middle-class families across the state. Despite governing through times of crisis, Governor Malloy’s tough decisions have resulted in historic investments in education, a balanced budget, significant reduction in the state’s long-term debt, and 55,000 new private-sector jobs. We look forward to his reelection in November.”
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National
Republican
Congressional
CommitteeRepublican
Governors
Association
RGA Congratulates Tom Foley on Connecticut Gubernatorial Primary Victory
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican
Governors Association issued the following statement on the outcome of
today’s Connecticut gubernatorial primary election:
“It’s time to put Tom Foley in the governor’s office,” said RGA Chairman Chris Christie. “Foley has the experience in both the public and private spheres which will help him promote policies that create jobs, attract business, and reboot Connecticut’s economy. Connecticut needs a leader and a problem solver, and those are roles Foley is uniquely equipped to fill. The Republican Governors Association is proud to support Tom Foley for governor.”
“Governor Dan Malloy epitomizes failed leadership and Connecticut is ready for a new direction,” said RGA Executive Director Phil Cox. “As governor, he signed the largest tax increase in Connecticut state history, oversaw a shrinking state labor force, and drove Connecticut’s economy into the ground. Connecticut’s foundation is crumbling under Governor Malloy, and the state deserves a governor who is willing to take on challenges, not someone who’s made a habit of avoiding them.”
“It’s time to put Tom Foley in the governor’s office,” said RGA Chairman Chris Christie. “Foley has the experience in both the public and private spheres which will help him promote policies that create jobs, attract business, and reboot Connecticut’s economy. Connecticut needs a leader and a problem solver, and those are roles Foley is uniquely equipped to fill. The Republican Governors Association is proud to support Tom Foley for governor.”
“Governor Dan Malloy epitomizes failed leadership and Connecticut is ready for a new direction,” said RGA Executive Director Phil Cox. “As governor, he signed the largest tax increase in Connecticut state history, oversaw a shrinking state labor force, and drove Connecticut’s economy into the ground. Connecticut’s foundation is crumbling under Governor Malloy, and the state deserves a governor who is willing to take on challenges, not someone who’s made a habit of avoiding them.”
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TO: INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL AND NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: AUGUST 12, 2014
SUBJECT: CONNECTICUT PRIMARY RESULTS
With two weak incumbents and an even weaker governor at the top of the ticket, Connecticut—a traditionally Democrat state—is poised for a strong Republican year. From now through Election Day, the NRCC will remain engaged in the Nutmeg State as it seeks to hold both Elizabeth Esty and Jim Himes accountable for their records of failure in Washington.
CHALLENGERS
CT-04: Dan Debicella, R vs. Rep. Jim Himes, D
Voting 87 percent of the time with President Obama was not the leadership Connecticut’s 4th district was expecting when it sent Jim Himes to Washington in 2008. Throughout his time in Washington, Himes has merely become part of the problem.
Let’s face facts: Jim Himes is no “moderate.” In 2009, he voted for ObamaCare, the trillion-dollar stimulus, and a national energy tax. Since then, he’s been a reliable vote for both President Obama and Nancy Pelosi—even voting against a balanced budget.
Dan Debicella is ready to bring change to Washington and give the 4th district the independent voice it deserves. He has spent time both in state government and in the business world and realizes that lasting economic growth comes not from government but from small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Geography: PVI: D+5; The district covers the southwest part of the state including Fairfield County.
CT-05: Mark Greenberg, R vs. Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D
In 2012, Elizabeth Esty squeaked out a victory over Andrew Roraback with President Obama on the top of the ballot in Connecticut’s most conservative district. With Esty facing her first challenge in a midterm election and unpopular Governor Dan Malloy dragging down the entire Democrat ticket, we expect this race to be a top target this fall.
Esty hasn’t been in Congress long, but in mere weeks she proved to be a natural Washington insider. Her election night speech—where Esty was introduced by none other than Malloy—focused on fighting Super PACs and special interests. In fact, she said she was “very, very committed to this cause.” However, weeks after paying lip service to this commitment, she appeared in a commercial for Nancy Pelosi’s Super PAC. She even attributed her victory to the organization.
Esty’s time in politics has also been dogged by allegations of crony capitalism. She’s accepted tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from industries her husband regulated in his taxpayer-funded position with the state of Connecticut—included thousands from lobbyists who paid Esty’s husband over $200,000 in consulting fees.
There’s enough backroom deals and corruption in Washington without Elizabeth Esty. The residents of the 5th district deserve a representative who’s accountable to them, not a career politician embracing crony capitalism.
That’s why Mark Greenberg will be victorious in November. Mark is not a politician, he has spent his career in business and is a proven job creator. He has spent the campaign talking about the issues that are on the minds of voters in the 5th district, namely jobs and the economy.
The contrast between Esty and Greenberg could not be clearer: a career politician versus a career job creator.
Geography: PVI: D+3; The district covers the northwest corner of the state and includes the cities ofDanbury, New Britain, and Waterbury.
MINNESOTA
Democratic Governors Association
“When Governor Dayton took office four years ago, Minnesota faced a jobs crisis and a $6 billion deficit. Because of his strong, decisive leadership, that deficit is now a surplus, there’s $150 million in the state’s rainy day fund, and businesses have created 150,000 new private-sector jobs. He’s helped build a stronger and fairer economy by raising the minimum wage, cutting taxes for middle-class families, and providing free, universal access to all-day kindergarten.
“The last thing Minnesota needs now is to turn back to the failed, top-down economic policies that created the mess in the first place. Voters understand that and won’t allow it to happen. With his reelection in November, Governor Dayton will continue his lifelong work of strengthening the middle class and expanding economic opportunity to all.”
Republican Governors Association
“Minnesota is in critical need of new direction, and it’s clear Jeff Johnson is the only candidate prepared to lead the state forward,” said RGA Chairman Chris Christie. “With a strong background in the private sector, experience in standing up for the state, and proven conservative credentials in reducing wasteful spending and holding government accountable, Jeff is exactly what Minnesota needs to get back on the right track. The Republican Governors Association is proud to support Jeff Johnson for governor.”
“Minnesota took a sharp left turn under Governor Mark Dayton, and the state is worse off for it,” said RGA Executive Director Phil Cox. “The health exchange he championed, MNSure, proved to be an epic debacle, and after numerous attempts to fix it, it’s still broken. Governor Dayton’s failed leadership has put a heavy burden on taxpayers, and come November, voters will make it clear they are ready for a new direction.”
National Republican Congressional Committee
WISCONSIN
Denocratic Governors AssociationDemocratic Governors Association
DGA STATEMENT ON THE GENERAL ELECTION FOR GOVERNOR OF MINNESOTA
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, tonight issued the following statement regarding the upcoming general election for governor of Minnesota:“When Governor Dayton took office four years ago, Minnesota faced a jobs crisis and a $6 billion deficit. Because of his strong, decisive leadership, that deficit is now a surplus, there’s $150 million in the state’s rainy day fund, and businesses have created 150,000 new private-sector jobs. He’s helped build a stronger and fairer economy by raising the minimum wage, cutting taxes for middle-class families, and providing free, universal access to all-day kindergarten.
“The last thing Minnesota needs now is to turn back to the failed, top-down economic policies that created the mess in the first place. Voters understand that and won’t allow it to happen. With his reelection in November, Governor Dayton will continue his lifelong work of strengthening the middle class and expanding economic opportunity to all.”
Republican Governors Association
RGA Congratulates Jeff Johnson on Minnesota Gubernatorial Primary Victory
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican Governors Association issued the following statement on the outcome of today’s Minnesota gubernatorial primary election:“Minnesota is in critical need of new direction, and it’s clear Jeff Johnson is the only candidate prepared to lead the state forward,” said RGA Chairman Chris Christie. “With a strong background in the private sector, experience in standing up for the state, and proven conservative credentials in reducing wasteful spending and holding government accountable, Jeff is exactly what Minnesota needs to get back on the right track. The Republican Governors Association is proud to support Jeff Johnson for governor.”
“Minnesota took a sharp left turn under Governor Mark Dayton, and the state is worse off for it,” said RGA Executive Director Phil Cox. “The health exchange he championed, MNSure, proved to be an epic debacle, and after numerous attempts to fix it, it’s still broken. Governor Dayton’s failed leadership has put a heavy burden on taxpayers, and come November, voters will make it clear they are ready for a new direction.”
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Minnesota
DFL
FROM: Ken Martin, Chairman of the Democratic Farmer Labor Party
DATE: Tuesday, August 12, 2014
RE: MEMO: General Election Begins with McFadden on Defense, Franken in Strong Position
General election begins with McFadden on defense, Franken in strong position
TO: Interested PartiesFROM: Ken Martin, Chairman of the Democratic Farmer Labor Party
DATE: Tuesday, August 12, 2014
RE: MEMO: General Election Begins with McFadden on Defense, Franken in Strong Position
Franken
in Strong Position for Re-Election
Sen. Al Franken’s bipartisan record of
results in the Senate and his campaign’s powerful grassroots operation
puts him in a strong position for re-election. He’s worked hard on
behalf of Minnesotans in the Senate. For example, he has helped
pass a major workforce-training bill, secured funding for mental health
in our schools and taken on Wall Street and the credit rating agencies
to put an end to the shady practices that helped cause the 2008
financial collapse.
Sen. Franken’s fight for middle class families resonates with and matters to voters, including his ongoing efforts to raise the federal minimum wage for the first time in five years, to ensure women get equal pay for equal work and to make college more affordable by allowing students to refinance their student loans at current lower rates.
Minnesotans know Sen. Franken works hard for them and they don’t want to lose his voice in the Senate. That’s why he’s been endorsed by countless organizations, such as the National Farmers Union PAC, the Minnesota AFL-CIO and its more than 300,000 members and the Human Rights Campaign. His campaign has invested in a robust statewide field operation that includes dozens of staffers and hundreds of volunteers talking to thousands of voters every day.
McFadden Wrong For Minnesota, Starts General Election Under Fire
In contrast, embattled Republican investment banker Mike McFadden is wrong for Minnesota and has taken a series of wildly out of touch policy positions that have put him on defense with Minnesota voters.
McFadden starts the General Election under fire after declaring his support for Chinese steel over American jobs. His “self-inflicted wound” has generated front-page headlines across northern Minnesota. Earlier this month at Farmfest, McFadden admitted that he would prefer to bolster big corporations’ profits by building the entire Keystone XL pipeline out of Chinese steel — not American-made steel — if it were cheaper. McFadden’s position would undercut an American industry that supports thousands of jobs in Minnesota.
McFadden not only opposes increasing the federal minimum wage but he would do away with it altogether. McFadden knows his position would hurt middle-class families, which is why his campaign tried and failed to run away from it this past weekend in Duluth. But the fact remains that McFadden has repeatedly told Minnesotans he would eliminate the federal minimum wage, saying “there shouldn’t be a single federal wage” and that it “doesn’t make sense.”
McFadden wants to put bosses in charge of women’s health care. For days McFadden refused to comment on the Supreme Court Hobby Lobby ruling, claiming contraception was neither a health care nor economic issue for women and therefore did not merit a response. After several days of being pressed by reporters McFadden finally admitted he was in favor of letting bosses deny their female employees access to contraception.
Outside Groups, Rove and the Koch Brothers Eye Minnesota
Despite Franken’s strength and McFadden’s missteps, a flood of special interest money could have an impact. We know that outside special interest groups, Karl Rove and the Koch Brothers are going to spend millions to try to defeat Sen. Franken. That’s why McFadden personally attended a secret summit held by the Koch Brothers near Albuquerque last summer and was a featured candidate at Karl Rove’s American Crossroads Super PAC summit in Washington D.C. Additionally, just last week the Chamber of Commerce promised “aggressive” spending against Sen. Franken. They spent $1 million attacking him in 2008.
- See more at: http://www.dfl.org/dfl-news/2014/08/general-election-begins-with-mcfadden-on-sefense-franken-in-strong-position/#sthash.yk7nKRLB.dpuf
National Republican Senatorial Committee
Jerry Moran
Mike McFadden is a competent, strong leader and a thoughtful problem solver. Mike McFadden's career in business demonstrates that he knows how to get things done and has the independence and outside view we need to create an environment that will help Minnesota workers find good paying, permanent jobs. Mike's impressive work at Cristo Rey reveals his commitment to education and building a highly skilled workforce, another important contrast with Al Franken.
Congratulations to Mike McFadden on his victory tonight. I look forward to serving alongside of Mike McFadden next year in a Republican majority who will deliver results for Minnesota and throughout the country.
Sen. Franken’s fight for middle class families resonates with and matters to voters, including his ongoing efforts to raise the federal minimum wage for the first time in five years, to ensure women get equal pay for equal work and to make college more affordable by allowing students to refinance their student loans at current lower rates.
Minnesotans know Sen. Franken works hard for them and they don’t want to lose his voice in the Senate. That’s why he’s been endorsed by countless organizations, such as the National Farmers Union PAC, the Minnesota AFL-CIO and its more than 300,000 members and the Human Rights Campaign. His campaign has invested in a robust statewide field operation that includes dozens of staffers and hundreds of volunteers talking to thousands of voters every day.
McFadden Wrong For Minnesota, Starts General Election Under Fire
In contrast, embattled Republican investment banker Mike McFadden is wrong for Minnesota and has taken a series of wildly out of touch policy positions that have put him on defense with Minnesota voters.
McFadden starts the General Election under fire after declaring his support for Chinese steel over American jobs. His “self-inflicted wound” has generated front-page headlines across northern Minnesota. Earlier this month at Farmfest, McFadden admitted that he would prefer to bolster big corporations’ profits by building the entire Keystone XL pipeline out of Chinese steel — not American-made steel — if it were cheaper. McFadden’s position would undercut an American industry that supports thousands of jobs in Minnesota.
McFadden not only opposes increasing the federal minimum wage but he would do away with it altogether. McFadden knows his position would hurt middle-class families, which is why his campaign tried and failed to run away from it this past weekend in Duluth. But the fact remains that McFadden has repeatedly told Minnesotans he would eliminate the federal minimum wage, saying “there shouldn’t be a single federal wage” and that it “doesn’t make sense.”
McFadden wants to put bosses in charge of women’s health care. For days McFadden refused to comment on the Supreme Court Hobby Lobby ruling, claiming contraception was neither a health care nor economic issue for women and therefore did not merit a response. After several days of being pressed by reporters McFadden finally admitted he was in favor of letting bosses deny their female employees access to contraception.
Outside Groups, Rove and the Koch Brothers Eye Minnesota
Despite Franken’s strength and McFadden’s missteps, a flood of special interest money could have an impact. We know that outside special interest groups, Karl Rove and the Koch Brothers are going to spend millions to try to defeat Sen. Franken. That’s why McFadden personally attended a secret summit held by the Koch Brothers near Albuquerque last summer and was a featured candidate at Karl Rove’s American Crossroads Super PAC summit in Washington D.C. Additionally, just last week the Chamber of Commerce promised “aggressive” spending against Sen. Franken. They spent $1 million attacking him in 2008.
- See more at: http://www.dfl.org/dfl-news/2014/08/general-election-begins-with-mcfadden-on-sefense-franken-in-strong-position/#sthash.yk7nKRLB.dpuf
National Republican Senatorial Committee
Jerry Moran
Congratulations Mike McFadden On Your Minnesota Primary Victory!
Minnesota families, workers and seniors are tired of an inept, dysfunctional and incompetent government in Washington. At the center of Washington dysfunction is Harry Reid's Senate, and Senator Al Franken who serves as a rubber stamp for the Obama agenda instead of being an independent voice for Minnesotans. On issue after issue, ObamaCare to education, spending to debt, Senator Franken has been a loyal Obama foot soldier even when the policy hurts Minnesotans.Mike McFadden is a competent, strong leader and a thoughtful problem solver. Mike McFadden's career in business demonstrates that he knows how to get things done and has the independence and outside view we need to create an environment that will help Minnesota workers find good paying, permanent jobs. Mike's impressive work at Cristo Rey reveals his commitment to education and building a highly skilled workforce, another important contrast with Al Franken.
Congratulations to Mike McFadden on his victory tonight. I look forward to serving alongside of Mike McFadden next year in a Republican majority who will deliver results for Minnesota and throughout the country.
National Republican Congressional Committee
TO:
INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL AND NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: AUGUST 12, 2014
SUBJECT: MINNESOTA PRIMARY RESULTS
Democrats find themselves in a difficult position to hold two congressional seats in Minnesota due to strong Republican candidates Torrey Westrom and Stewart Mills and the failed records of incumbent Democrats Collin Peterson and Rick Nolan. Congressman Collin Peterson representing Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District has been in Washington for 23 years and enjoys the perks of office, including two taxpayer-funded car leases, taxpayer-funded international travel, and reimbursements for travel on his personal plane. Congressman Rick Nolan was one of four Members of Congress to oppose funding for our nation’s veterans and has consistently voted against our troops.
CHALLENGERS
MN-07: Torrey Westrom, R v. Collin Peterson, D
Torrey Westrom has put together a solid campaign against 23-year Washington politician Collin Peterson. This R+6 congressional district is prime territory for a Republican pick up opportunity. Collin Peterson has lost touch with his constituents over the last two decades and will have to explain why he takes advantages of so many congressional perks. Torrey Westrom has been a dedicated public servant in the district and understands the needs of Minnesota farmers and small businesses.
Torrey Westrom Bio: Westrom grew up on his family’s dairy farm near Willmar, and at the age of fourteen lost his vision in a farm-related accident. As a result of the accident and accompanying loss of sight, Westrom did not give up on his High School athletic career; rather, he persevered by moving from the basketball team to becoming an accomplished wrestler. In 2012, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and received the Medal of Courage Award. First elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives at the age of 23, Westrom has fought and defended conservative principles in the state legislature for the last 18 years. Today, Westrom is a state senator representing a large portion of the counties that makeup the 7th U.S. Congressional District. Torrey and his wife Anna own and operate a family business, and reside in Elbow Lake with their three children.
Geography: PVI: R+6; Romney 53.7% - Obama 44%. Minnesota’s expansive 7th Congressional District is located on the Western border of the state and includes Moorhead, Willmar and Fergus Falls. Both the Cook Political Report and the Rothenberg Report rate it as Lean Democrat.
MN-08: Stewart Mills, R v. Rick Nolan, D
For a Congressman that represents a swing district, Rick Nolan has a more extreme voting record than Nancy Pelosi. Nolan is so out of touch he has consistently voted against funding for our military and our veterans. Nolan voted for a plan that raised taxes by $4.2 trillion and even contained a gas tax. His Republican opponent, Stewart Mills, has a track record of success and understands firsthand the problems with President Obama’s failed health care law. Mills has also run a solid campaign and continues to post impressive fundraising numbers. Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District is another leading opportunity for a Republican victory.
Stewart Mills Bio: Stewart Mills is a 41 year old married father of 5 that lives with his family in the Brainerd Lakes area. Since the age of 14 he has worked in his family’s businesses in a variety of positions. Currently, Stewart is Vice President of Mills Fleet Farm, headquartered out of Brainerd, MN.
Stewart is also very involved in the community as a board member of the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Foundation and the creator of the Louis Hostager Award given annually in conjunction with the Brainerd YMCA to recognize individuals that have significantly impacted the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Geography: PVI: D+1; Obama 51.5% - Romney 46%. Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District is located in the northeast portion of the state and includes the Iron Range, Duluth, and Bemidji. The Cook Political Report rates it as a Toss Up and the Rothenberg Report rates it as a Lean Democrat.
OPEN SEATS
MN-06: Tom Emmer, R v. Joe Perske, D
Tom Emmer ran a highly effective campaign to win the Republican nomination in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District being vacated by Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. Emmer has a long track record of serving his community in both the public and private sectors. Emmer has the necessary experience to represent his constituents well in Congress.
Tom Emmer Bio: Tom Emmer began his career practicing law and eventually founding his own law firm. While raising his seven children, Tom coached hockey and served on the city councils in Independence and Delano. In 2004, he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives and re-elected in 2006 and 2008. In 2010, Tom Emmer ran for Governor and came within one half of one percent of winning. Since then, Tom entered the radio business as a conservative radio host on Twin Cities News Talk AM1130.
Geography: PVI: R+10; Romney 56.3% - Obama 41.4%. Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District is located in the north suburbs of the Twin Cities and includes St. Cloud and Blaine. The Cook Political Report rates it as a Solid Republican and the Rothenberg Report rates it as a Safe Republican.
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL AND NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: AUGUST 12, 2014
SUBJECT: MINNESOTA PRIMARY RESULTS
Democrats find themselves in a difficult position to hold two congressional seats in Minnesota due to strong Republican candidates Torrey Westrom and Stewart Mills and the failed records of incumbent Democrats Collin Peterson and Rick Nolan. Congressman Collin Peterson representing Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District has been in Washington for 23 years and enjoys the perks of office, including two taxpayer-funded car leases, taxpayer-funded international travel, and reimbursements for travel on his personal plane. Congressman Rick Nolan was one of four Members of Congress to oppose funding for our nation’s veterans and has consistently voted against our troops.
CHALLENGERS
MN-07: Torrey Westrom, R v. Collin Peterson, D
Torrey Westrom has put together a solid campaign against 23-year Washington politician Collin Peterson. This R+6 congressional district is prime territory for a Republican pick up opportunity. Collin Peterson has lost touch with his constituents over the last two decades and will have to explain why he takes advantages of so many congressional perks. Torrey Westrom has been a dedicated public servant in the district and understands the needs of Minnesota farmers and small businesses.
Torrey Westrom Bio: Westrom grew up on his family’s dairy farm near Willmar, and at the age of fourteen lost his vision in a farm-related accident. As a result of the accident and accompanying loss of sight, Westrom did not give up on his High School athletic career; rather, he persevered by moving from the basketball team to becoming an accomplished wrestler. In 2012, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and received the Medal of Courage Award. First elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives at the age of 23, Westrom has fought and defended conservative principles in the state legislature for the last 18 years. Today, Westrom is a state senator representing a large portion of the counties that makeup the 7th U.S. Congressional District. Torrey and his wife Anna own and operate a family business, and reside in Elbow Lake with their three children.
Geography: PVI: R+6; Romney 53.7% - Obama 44%. Minnesota’s expansive 7th Congressional District is located on the Western border of the state and includes Moorhead, Willmar and Fergus Falls. Both the Cook Political Report and the Rothenberg Report rate it as Lean Democrat.
MN-08: Stewart Mills, R v. Rick Nolan, D
For a Congressman that represents a swing district, Rick Nolan has a more extreme voting record than Nancy Pelosi. Nolan is so out of touch he has consistently voted against funding for our military and our veterans. Nolan voted for a plan that raised taxes by $4.2 trillion and even contained a gas tax. His Republican opponent, Stewart Mills, has a track record of success and understands firsthand the problems with President Obama’s failed health care law. Mills has also run a solid campaign and continues to post impressive fundraising numbers. Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District is another leading opportunity for a Republican victory.
Stewart Mills Bio: Stewart Mills is a 41 year old married father of 5 that lives with his family in the Brainerd Lakes area. Since the age of 14 he has worked in his family’s businesses in a variety of positions. Currently, Stewart is Vice President of Mills Fleet Farm, headquartered out of Brainerd, MN.
Stewart is also very involved in the community as a board member of the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Foundation and the creator of the Louis Hostager Award given annually in conjunction with the Brainerd YMCA to recognize individuals that have significantly impacted the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Geography: PVI: D+1; Obama 51.5% - Romney 46%. Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District is located in the northeast portion of the state and includes the Iron Range, Duluth, and Bemidji. The Cook Political Report rates it as a Toss Up and the Rothenberg Report rates it as a Lean Democrat.
OPEN SEATS
MN-06: Tom Emmer, R v. Joe Perske, D
Tom Emmer ran a highly effective campaign to win the Republican nomination in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District being vacated by Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. Emmer has a long track record of serving his community in both the public and private sectors. Emmer has the necessary experience to represent his constituents well in Congress.
Tom Emmer Bio: Tom Emmer began his career practicing law and eventually founding his own law firm. While raising his seven children, Tom coached hockey and served on the city councils in Independence and Delano. In 2004, he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives and re-elected in 2006 and 2008. In 2010, Tom Emmer ran for Governor and came within one half of one percent of winning. Since then, Tom entered the radio business as a conservative radio host on Twin Cities News Talk AM1130.
Geography: PVI: R+10; Romney 56.3% - Obama 41.4%. Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District is located in the north suburbs of the Twin Cities and includes St. Cloud and Blaine. The Cook Political Report rates it as a Solid Republican and the Rothenberg Report rates it as a Safe Republican.
Republican
Party
of
Minnesota
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2014
Contact: Brittni Palke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2014
Contact: Brittni Palke
Republican Turnout Beats Previous High for an August Primary by 40%
Minneapolis, Minn. – Turnout yesterday
for the GOP primary beat the previous high turnout since the August
primary was instituted by 40%.
“We anticipated average turnout, but the contested primaries obviously brought people out to vote,” said Keith Downey, Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman. “All of the campaigns worked hard to get their supporters to the polls, and since the August primary started, this year is actually a record high turnout for Republicans.”
Preliminary results from the Secretary of State’s website this morning showed 183,086 voted in the GOP Governor’s primary. The previous high for an August primary for the GOP was 130,408 in 2010. Final results will be certified by the Secretary of State in the coming days.
Yesterday’s turnout was the third highest primary turnout since 2000. The August primary was instituted in 2010. Previously the primary was held in September.
“We anticipated average turnout, but the contested primaries obviously brought people out to vote,” said Keith Downey, Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman. “All of the campaigns worked hard to get their supporters to the polls, and since the August primary started, this year is actually a record high turnout for Republicans.”
Preliminary results from the Secretary of State’s website this morning showed 183,086 voted in the GOP Governor’s primary. The previous high for an August primary for the GOP was 130,408 in 2010. Final results will be certified by the Secretary of State in the coming days.
Yesterday’s turnout was the third highest primary turnout since 2000. The August primary was instituted in 2010. Previously the primary was held in September.
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WISCONSIN
DGA STATEMENT ON THE PROSPEROUS FUTURE WISCONSIN FACES AFTER THE FAILURE OF SCOTT WALKER
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, tonight issued the following statement regarding the upcoming general election for governor of Wisconsin:“Scott Walker has failed as governor. With the primary season behind us in Wisconsin, voters will focus on that unfortunate reality. The central promise of his 2010 campaign was that he’d create 250,000 new private-sector jobs and he said himself that he should be judged by his ability to deliver. Well the results are in, and he’s fallen woefully short. Instead of keeping his word to the people of his state, Walker has focused on rewarding the very wealthiest, corporate interests, and the cronies he’s collected through his decades-long career as a politician. It just hasn’t worked for too many people.
“Wisconsin can do better and will do better under Mary Burke. As a 4th generation Wisconsinite and successful business leader, Mary understands what it takes to build an economy that works for the middle class, not just the wealthiest. She’ll invest in education, workforce training, technology and innovation in order to create good-paying jobs and long-term economic growth. She will make an outstanding governor, and I look forward to working with her.”
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Republican Governors Association
RGA Statement on the Wisconsin Gubernatorial Primary
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican Governors Association issued the following statement on the outcome of today’s Wisconsin gubernatorial primary election:“Governor Scott Walker has been a transformative leader for Wisconsin and the state is better for it,” said RGA Chairman Chris Christie. “Unemployment is down, job creation is up, and the Badger State economy is stronger today because he put common sense conservative policy to work, just as he was elected to do. Wisconsin is moving forward, but there’s more work to be done. The Republican Governors Association is proud to support Governor Scott Walker’s re-election.”
“As Governor Walker continues to move Wisconsin forward, Democrat Mary Burke’s campaign is all about returning to the failed policies of the past,” said RGA Executive Director Phil Cox. “When Burke was Commerce Secretary under Gov. Jim Doyle, the unemployment rate was on the rise and jobs were hard to come by. The economy was in a tailspin. Why would Wisconsin go back?”
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