In Republicans face off for 1st District endorsement, Minnesota Public Radio's coverage of the endorsement and nomination contest among Republicans, reporter Curtis Gilbert has been able to identify varying policy points between endorsement seekers Randy Demmer and Brian Davis:
There are some differences, though. Davis wants to abolish the federal No Child Left Behind education law. Demmer says the law is doing some good. And Demmer supports government programs to encourage alternative energy production, while Davis is against those programs.
We find the latter point most interesting. Given the First Congressional District's burgeoning renewable (not alternative) energy industries, we're not sure how Davis supporters can claim that Walz--or Demmer and Day--are "out of touch" with the area. Moreover, Davis would be an awkward fit sandwiched between Coleman and state representatives, all of whom have supported renewable energy to varying degrees. Demmer would strengthen the ticket; Davis, fragment it--and either faces the bruising primary battle Day can deliver until September.
[Update 3/29] The latest Owatonna People's Press provides an example of the importance of renewable energy in the First as a bipartisan point of agreement. As part of his statewide campaign launch tour, Coleman stopped at local restaurant and the subject came up in his remarks:
During his speech, Coleman flitted from topic to topic and even extended a bipartisan olive branch to Democrats: From inadequate pension plans to renewable energy and dependence on foreign oil. [end update]
We'll skip tomorrow's follies in Albert Lea, covering the kick off of the Walz campaign's phone banking and door knocking in Mankato and Rochester.
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