Write-in campaigns and Constitution Party candidates have historically not won in elections. They succeed only in taking votes from other candidates. Basically, Park and Koering are choosing to split the pro-life vote and assist the DFL’s pro-choice candidate.
In an article from left-leaning “Minnesota Progressive Project,” they likened it to special election SD16 in 2008, when a write-in campaign split the Republican-leaning votes just enough to allow the DFL candidate to win in a red district. This could be happening here. They also said, “It’s just speculation whether Stevenson was helped more by Koering’s endorsement or whether Koering’s write-in campaign might help more by splitting Republican-leaning votes.” They seemed thrilled with Koering’s decision to wage the write-in campaign.
PAUL GAZELKA FOR MINNESOTA STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 12
I ask for your vote on Nov. 2nd
The State of Minnesota is in a budget crisis. The shortfall is projected to be 6 billion dollars! This is not the first time Minnesota has faced a shortfall. In 2005, while serving you as your State Representative, we balanced the budget without raising taxes! It can happen again. The people of District 12 deserve a State Senator who understands finances and the budgeting process. I have been a businessman for over 20 years with a payroll that includes 4-5 people. I know how hard it can be to meet payroll and other business obligations in tough economic times. But I have managed it and the state can also. I can also relate to those of you who are trying to keep your personal finances in order during the economic downturn. My wife and I have five children. Keeping them fed and clothed is hard work. We’ve worked hard to save enough money so that our children can go to college if they desire. Send me to the State Senate on November 2nd and I will work diligently to balance Minnesota’s budget.
More government and more “stimulus” is not the answer! More spending only passes the deficit to the next generation.
We need to reduce government spending and focus on helping private-sector job creators. Minnesota has the 3rd highest business tax in the country and the DFL is asking for still higher taxes. The state charges high fees to businesses and we have a long permitting process. Minnesota will have about 7% more money in state government next year than we had this year…but it won’t be enough. We need to create a job climate where businesses of all sizes want to come and do business. New Jersey, Indiana, and Louisiana have all become more business-friendly states and are some of the country’s leading states in new job growth. We can do the same in Minnesota! Let’s not be the last state to understand what the private-sector job creators need to grow and expand here in Minnesota.
Paul Gazelka, Minnesota State Senate candidate, today received the endorsement of the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL). Endorsed previously when in the Minnesota House, the MCCL has once again acknowledged Gazelka’s unwavering support of pro-life issues.
By MIKE O'ROURKE Associate Editor, Brainerd Dispatch
Former Rep. Paul Gazelka of rural Brainerd unseated Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, to win the Republican primary Tuesday 56.77 to 43.23 percent. The vote totals were Gazelka, 3,752, and Koering 2,857.
The one-term representative who was elected to the House in 2004, won his party's endorsement earlier this year and defeated the incumbent senator who was first elected in 2002.
"I think we're over the top," Gazelka said late Tuesday from the Country Inns and Suites in Baxter. "I'm thrilled and relieved.
Gazelka, 50, said he'll continue to emphasize his message of reining in wasteful government spending and creating private sector jobs. "I don't think those (issues) are conservative or liberal," he said. "I think that resonates across party lines."
Comparing Tuesday's Senate primary victory to his initial election to House, he said this race was much more of a roller coaster ride.
"We went from nowhere to really doing well. I'm off the roller coaster."
The mood was upbeat at the motel where Republicans gathered to encourage their endorsed candidate. At least one Republican there said the report of Koering's dinner with a gay adult film star was what made him switch allegiance to Gazelka.
"That was the last straw," Gil Whittemore, a longtime Republican activist of rural
Brainerd said Tuesday. Gazelka said his biggest frustration in the campaign were the
events beyond his control such as a negative campaign piece mailed in the last few days by
the National Organization for Marriage and the Minnesota Family Council. He condemned the
mailing and said there was considerable backlash that he had to fight against in the last
days of the campaign. Read More
I want to express to the voters of Senate District 12 my frustration and deep disappointment at the mailings sent by the National Organization for Marriage comparing me and Paul Koering. This group, which supports marriage, a cause near and dear to my heart, has regrettably chosen to use mean-spirited ads instead of what most of us demand, civilized debate on the issues. Read More
Paul Gazelka was a teenager when I first met him in Virginia, MN. His family was part of the first church I was pastor of on the Iron Range. His parents were very active in the Christian community there and Paul has followed that same path for his life as well. I know Paul to be a compassionate and honorable man, willing to serve the people of his area. Read More
BRAINERD, MN, August 4, 2010 – Senate District 12 endorsed Republican candidate Paul Gazelka expressed disappointment today over a false newspaper advertisement Paul Koering ran in the Morrison County Record Saturday. According to the Taxpayers League of Minnesota Facebook page, “Senator Koering placed a fake advertisement from The Taxpayers League, he is not endorsed by The Taxpayers League and he has not signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge! This was a generic letter sent out to every Republican legislator in 2009!” Read More
By MIKE O'ROURKE 
Comments
Post has no comments.