Source: KARE 11
FRIDLEY, Minn. -- State Rep. Marty Seifert, who steered House Republicans through three tumultuous legislative sessions, began his bid Tuesday to trade up to the Minnesota governor's office.
He set off on a four-day, 14-city tour of the state at a high-tech factory in this Twin Cities suburb. He said he wanted to drive home his planned emphasis on jobs.
"It's not just what you say. It's not just how you say it. But it's also where you say it: We need job opportunities in this great state. We need economic opportunities in this great state," Seifert said. "It will be my top priority."
At 37, Seifert is aiming to become the youngest Minnesota governor in 70 years and the first from outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area elected since 1986. He lives in Marshall, a city closer to the South Dakota border than it is to St. Paul.
The 2010 race is a clear tossup, made so by GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty's decision to bow out after two terms.
Standing with his family in the factory's parts warehouse, Seifert offered a sneak peak at his agenda. He said he would try to fuel job growth by easing permitting and licensing. He said he would attempt to hold down property taxes by requiring local governments to hold a referendum to increase spending above a certain level. He said he would change education by boosting the amount of time children are in the classroom.
Seifert ticked off the jobs he's held since his boyhood days on a southwestern Minnesota farm: picking vegetables, serving ice cream, delivering pizzas, teaching and legislating during seven statehouse terms. He relinquished his minority leader title last month in anticipation of the campaign.
"The values I grew up with have everything to do with my run for governor," Seifert said. "Frugality, humility, service to people and, most of all, common sense. It is missing from our government today. I intend to make sure that from top-to-bottom our government reflects those values and does not wish them away."
But getting this job won't be easy.
He first must gain the party's endorsement next June because he pledged to leave the race without it. There's the possibility of a GOP primary a few months later. And the general election could be a three-way battle -- against candidates from the Democratic and Independence parties -- if the past three contests are any clue.
In the last week, the Republican field has shifted.
State Sens. David Hann of Eden Prairie and Mike Jungbauer of East Bethel set campaigns for governor in motion. Rep. Tom Emmer, who for a time was Seifert's deputy, also threw his hat in the ring. Emmer, of Delano, is likely to appeal to the conservative wing of the party.
And former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman didn't rule out making another try at the governor's office as he conceded defeat to Democrat Al Franken in the Senate race. Coleman was the GOP nominee for governor in 1998, losing to ex-wrestler Jesse Ventura.
Former Rep. Bill Haas of Champlin and Rep. Paul Kohls of Victoria also entered the race last month, and other GOP politicians are considering campaigns.
Democrats have been maneuvering since last year, hoping to take back an office they haven't held in two decades.
Announced Democratic candidates are: former U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton, state Sen. Tom Bakk of Cook, state Sen. John Marty of Roseville, state Rep. Paul Thissen of Minneapolis, former state Rep. Matt Entenza of St. Paul, Ramsey County attorney Susan Gaertner, former state Sen. Steve Kelley and painter Ole Savior.
The next governor will undoubtedly face another mammoth budget deficit, with projections ranging from $4 billion to $7 billion.
Seifert said he's undaunted by the challenge.
"I view the deficit as an opportunity," he said. "I don't view the deficit as something that is going to be punitive."
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