Emmer for Governor
Taxpayers League Founder Mike Wigley
Mike Wigley, the founder of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, announced today he is supporting Tom Emmer for Governor. Wigley cited Rep. Emmer’s strong track record as an advocate for lowering taxes and reducing government spending as the main reason for his endorsement.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of elected officials and I know Tom Emmer is a man who will never waver in his support of Minnesota’s families and taxpayers,” said Wigley. “As a small business owner, Tom Emmer is the unique politician who understands what it is like to sign the front of a paycheck, not just the back. Tom is exactly the person with the vision and leadership to bring Minnesota back to prosperity, by creating an environment that lets Minnesotans create jobs.”
“Mike is the gold standard in our state when it comes to fiscal responsibility,” said Emmer. “He helped create a new era of accountability for elected officials when it comes to taxes and spending and I’m very proud to have his support.”
Rep. Emmer has represented Wright County in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2005 and has a 92% lifetime rating with the Taxpayers League of Minnesota.
Reps. Mary Kiffmeyer and Tony Cornish
Rep. Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake), the two-term Minnesota Secretary of State and influential conservative leader announced today she is supporting Tom Emmer for Governor. Rep. Tony Cornish (R-Good Thunder) also announced his support, adding two more important names to a growing list of Greater Minnesota legislators behind Tom Emmer. Kiffmeyer and Cornish join the list that includes Rep. Rod Hamilton, Rep. Steve Drazkowski, Rep. Laura Brod, Rep. Dean Urdahl, Rep. Tim Kelly, Rep. Bruce Anderson, Sen. Amy Koch, Sen. Mike Parry and Lt. Governor Carol Molnau.
Today’s endorsements add to the list of elected officials already supporting Emmer which now totals twenty-four current state legislators and the Lt. Governor.
“I served as a statewide elected official and I know Tom Emmer has the strength of character to make the right decisions for our families,” said Kiffmeyer. “We need Tom’s energy and passion at the top of our ticket this fall.”
“Tom is a team player and has been an important part of the House Republican Caucus strategy of showing the citizens of Minnesota there is a better way to govern our state,” added Rep. Cornish.
“Once again, I am proud to receive these endorsements from the people who know me best – my colleagues in the House,” said Emmer. “With the convention season winding down, our momentum continues. I am confident we will surprise people with our strength at the state convention on April 30th”
Rep. Rod Hamilton, who represents a rural district and works in the agriculture industry, endorsed Tom Emmer for governor today. He was joined in his endorsement by Rep. Tara Mack (R-Apple Valley), Senator Claire Robling (R-Jordan) and Senator Pat Pariseau (R-Farmington). Today’s endorsements add to the list of elected officials already supporting Emmer which now totals 22 current state legislators and the Lt. Governor.
“Tom knows that everyone benefits from strong, vibrant and profitable farms,” said Hamilton. “He understands the need to prevent burdensome regulation that hampers agricultural production and restricts innovation by farms and other small businesses - that’s why he has my support.”
“I am proud to receive these endorsements from my legislative colleagues,” said Emmer. “I rely on Rep. Hamilton’s advice when it comes to agriculture issues and I plan to continue that practice as governor.”
Former Congressman Vin Weber and Republican National Committeeman Brian Sullivan endorsed Tom Emmer for governor today in a press conference at the state capitol. The latest endorsements give Emmer strong momentum heading into Saturday with forty-four local districts selecting delegates to the state convention.
“As a business owner, I’m supporting Tom because I know he has the strength to make the tough decisions we need to return our state to prosperity,” said Sullivan. “As a Republican activist, I want Tom Emmer at the top of our ticket to attract the independents and conservative Democrats we need to win in 2010.”
“There is a lot at stake for the future of Minnesota in the 2010 election and I believe Tom Emmer is the right choice to lead our state in these challenging economic times,” said Weber. “As Minnesotans come to know him more, they’ll appreciate his authenticity, his passion and his work ethic.”
Today’s endorsements add to the list of elected officials already supporting Emmer which now totals eighteen current state legislators and Lt. Governor Carol Molnau.
“I am honored to have the support of these influential Minnesotan leaders and our campaign will benefit greatly from their experience and expertise,” said Emmer.
Newly elected Senator Mike Parry endorsed Tom Emmer for governor today in a press conference at the state capitol. He was joined in his endorsement by Senator Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove), Senator Debbie Johnson (R-Ham Lake), Representative Tim Kelly (R-Red Wing) and Representative Steve Smith (R-Mound). Today’s endorsements add to the list of elected officials already supporting Emmer which now totals 18 current state legislators and the Lt. Governor.
“Tom Emmer doesn’t just talk about building a statewide organization that will help candidates get elected - he actually came down to Owatonna to help me win,” said Parry, who was recently elected to the senate in a special election. “As someone who just knocked on thousands of doors, I can tell you Tom Emmer is an authentic leader who will connect with voters in my district.”
“I’m grateful to have Sen. Parry’s endorsement, but I’m even more grateful he’s here in the senate,” said Emmer. “His election shows that voters in Minnesota, when given the chance, will choose the candidate focused on job creation and lower taxes every time.”
Rep. Tom Emmer named a search committee today to help him choose his lieutenant governor candidate. The committee will be chaired by the current Lt. Governor, Carol Molnau. Molnau will be joined by Rep. Matt Dean (R-Dellwood), Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague) and businessman Bryan Reichal, CEO of PureChoice, a manufacturing company located in Burnsville.
“I’ve asked Lt. Governor Molnau and her team to be deliberative, thoughtful, and thorough in their search for a candidate who is ready to lead, ready to govern on the first day of our administration,” said Emmer. “I also know that jump starting the economy will be our focus for the next four years, so I’ve asked the committee to look for someone who can add value to our administration in the area of job creation.”
Rep. Emmer said he has no time table for the decision and is focused on contacting delegates to the Republican state convention on April 30th, 2010.
“We will be reaching out to potential candidates in a broad search with the goal of finding the best possible person for the job,” added Molnau. “We will take this search very seriously on behalf of the citizens of Minnesota.”
Saint Paul – Tom Emmer surged to a strong second place finish last night in the Republican Party straw poll for governor, closing the gap to within ten points in what is now clearly a two person race.
“The race begins today,” said Emmer Campaign Manager David FitzSimmons. “We are closing the gap and feel really good about our momentum as we head to the all-important delegate phase. These results exceeded our expectations.”
Although pleased with their strong second place finish, the Emmer campaign was even more pleased with their endorsement prospects based on who was elected delegate. FitzSimmons pointed out that Emmer actually polled four points better than Governor Pawlenty did in 2002, going on to win the nomination against a better funded opponent.
“I congratulate my colleague on his victory last night and look forward to making our case to the delegates elected at the caucuses,” said Emmer.
“While high profile endorsements from Lt. Governor Molnau, Senator Rod Grams and State Representative Laura Brod helped with the momentum, it was our network of party activists that really turned out our supporters to the caucus,” said Emmer Campaign Manager David FitzSimmons. “That network is now poised to deliver the endorsement at the state convention.”
Duluth, MN – Former United States Senator Rod Grams endorsed State Rep. Tom Emmer for Governor today in a press conference at the public library in Duluth. Grams served in the United States Senate from 1995 to 2001 after serving one term in the United States House of Representatives. Today’s endorsement continues the strong momentum for Emmer’s campaign as Republican activists prepare to attend precinct caucuses tomorrow night.
“With today’s economic situation, it is important for our party to nominate someone with the strength to make the tough choices regarding the state’s budget,” said Grams. “I know the families in Greater Minnesota will connect with Tom and his message because he shares our conservative values.”
Grams built a reputation in Congress as a fiscal and social conservative and has a strong base of support in the 8th Congressional District.
“Having Senator Grams’ support means a lot,” said Emmer. “Rod’s career in public life was spent standing up for our principles. He is the definition of the peoples’ servant.”
This is the latest in a string of endorsements for the Emmer campaign as they surge toward the precinct caucuses tomorrow night. Last week the Emmer campaign released a list of over 100 members of his statewide steering committee and received the endorsements of Lt. Governor Carol Molnau and State Representative Laura Brod.
Saint Paul, MN – The following is a statement released by Rep. Laura Brod:
Friends,
These are difficult and challenging times for our state and our nation.
Now, more than ever, we need strong, determined leadership that will focus on the issues that matter most to our citizens.
Today, our friends, our neighbors and our families are concerned about their jobs, about their mortgage and about the future of their children.
There are no simple solutions. No trite slogans will solve our problems.
But, fearless leadership is demanded in these most anxious of times.
From the moment Governor Tim Pawlenty said he would not seek re-election, Minnesota Republicans began an important conversation about who could best carry the banner of conservative fiscal ideals and common sense government throughout the state.
Many of you were so kind to offer encouragement to me to consider a statewide campaign for Governor. I thank you for your support. As honored as I have been about that encouragement and that possibility, I have decided this is not the year for me to run for statewide office.
Before us stand many good candidates for Governor in our party.
Each and every one of them I consider to be a friend, and each and every one of them I believe carries with them the promise of a better tomorrow for our state.
I have been honored to serve with Marty Seifert when he represented our GOP Caucus in the House and also with David Hann and Bill Haas. I believe them all to be sincere and dedicated public servants.
I have been honored to serve with Tom Emmer, as well.
And, I believe Tom best represents our hopes for continued conservative Republican leadership for our state’s future as Governor of Minnesota.
Tom Emmer has the heart of a warrior, but he has the soul of a common-sense Minnesotan who stands for the best of who we are as a state.
Tom Emmer represents the fearless leadership that is demanded in these most anxious of times.
He knows that lower taxes and responsible spending are a catalyst for strong economic growth and job creation.
For Tom Emmer, government is not the enemy of the people - nor is it the solution for every problem we face.
Minnesotans need jobs. Our neighbors need hope. Our communities need the promise of a better tomorrow.
Minnesota needs a leader who can inspire, not just with words and passion, but with action and accomplishment. Tom Emmer is that kind of leader.
We need a leader who can stand with those who wish to move our state forward.
A leader who will stand up against those who want to move it backwards.
A leader who knows that every Democrat, every Republican and every Independent who wants to make Minnesota a better place to live, work and raise a family must have a voice in our state’s future.
I believe our future needs Tom Emmer.
There may be many issues we cannot ever find complete agreement upon.
Yet, there is far more that brings us together than drives us apart.
I intend to campaign with all my heart for the endorsed candidate of our party.
And, my hope is that Tom Emmer is that candidate.
With Tom at the top of our ticket, we will see a strong, determined voice who will not be afraid to put forward his commitment to fiscal responsibility at every level of government and in all parts of the state.
With Tom at the top of our ticket, we will see an individual who understands that lower taxes, responsible spending, and partnerships with the public and private sector are crucial to restoring our economic vitality.
With Tom at the top of our ticket, we will see someone who can and will reach out to both the businesses owners on Main Street as well as the Houses of Labor and let the men and women who fuel our economy and build our future, know that Republicans are the party of economic growth, of prosperity and of jobs.
With Tom at the top of our ticket, small business and big business will know they are not the enemy - but they are key partners in finding solutions to the economic challenges facing our state.
Business. Labor. The public sector. The private sector. Minnesotan citizens.
Tom Emmer will have a seat at the table for every one of them as we seek to ensure our state gets back on track toward prosperity. We are all in this together.
This election and the implications of it for the next four years comes down to this basic question: Which candidate, and which party, is best equipped to restore the economic engine of our state and get job creation going again for the people of Minnesota?
When it comes to the candidate, I am confident the answer is Tom Emmer. And when it comes to the party, the answer is the Republican Party, with Tom Emmer at the top of its ticket.
I ask you to join me in supporting Tom Emmer for our next Minnesota Governor and in working hard to come together to ensure our endorsed Republican candidates win in November.
Saint Paul, MN – Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau endorsed Tom Emmer for Governor today in a press conference at the State Capitol. She was joined in her endorsement by former gubernatorial candidate Senator Mike Jungbauer (R–Ham Lake) and Representatives Matt Dean (R–Dellwood), Joe Hoppe (R–Chaska), and Dean Urdahl (R–Grove City). Today’s endorsements add to the list of elected officials already supporting Emmer which now totals twelve current state legislators and the Lt. Governor.
“I’m supporting Tom Emmer because I know he has the strength to lead our state during these challenging economic times,” said Molnau. “For the past seven years, I’ve seen first hand what it takes to make the tough decisions to get us back on the path to prosperity and Tom definitely has what it takes.”
“Tom is an authentic, effective leader who knows how to rally people to his side,” said Rep. Dean. “When we get to crunch time in the legislative session, Tom’s the one we rely on to set the strategy and carry the debate on the House floor.”
Today’s elected officials join the growing list of Emmer supporters including House members Bruce Anderson, Mark Buesgens, Steve Drazkowski, Tom Hackbarth, Mary Liz Holberg, Tim Sanders, Peggy Scott and Senator Amy Koch.
“It’s great to have the support of Lt. Governor Molnau and my colleagues in the legislature,” said Emmer. “Carol has been part of two successful statewide campaigns so it will be great to have her advice and support.”
This is the latest release from the Emmer campaign as they build momentum toward the precinct caucuses next Tuesday, February 2nd. Last week Emmer released a list of over 100 members of his statewide steering committee.
Prepared and paid for by Tom Emmer for Governor
P.O. Box 14269, Saint Paul, MN 55114
(651) 783-5657