Former state representative and Taxpayer League president Phil Krinkie is saying no to debates in Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District that require audience members to pay to attend, St. Cloud Time staff writer Mark Sommerhauser reports tonight.
In addition to rejecting the forums, Krinkie claims that Tom Emmer is dodging the public.
Sommerhauser reports in 6th District candidate Krinkie avoids debates that aren't free, public:
Former state Rep. Phil Krinkie said Monday he won’t take part in forums sponsored by Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District Republicans and by Freedom Club, a conservative advocacy group. The 6th District Republicans event is Dec. 14 and the Freedom Club debate is Jan. 13.
Krinkie also suggested one of his opponents in the 6th District race, Tom Emmer, is ducking events that are open to the public and to media.
Krinkie’s announcement marks a reversal for his campaign on the Dec. 14 forum, in which his campaign originally indicated it would participate. But Krinkie says the forum, which is a fundraiser for the 6th District Republicans, is the first instance he can recall of a GOP party unit charging for attendance to a candidate forum to raise money. The event requires a $50 entry fee.
Bluestem finds this to be an odd statement. Two recent gubernatorial forums in Southern Minnesota, sponsored by the Olmsted County Republicans and by the Rice, Steele and Waseca County Republicans, were fundraisers in which admission was charged.
An earlier Republican party debate sponsored event in Mounds View, the MN Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Forum was held August 1, 2013 at the Mermaid Event Center. According to its Facebook page's About section:
The MN Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Forum is organized and sponsored by MN State Senate District 31, 35, 36 & 37 Republicans. Proceeds from this event will be used to offset event expenses and bolster 2014 campaign support within the sponsoring Senate Districts.
Audience members were charged $10 in advance and $15 at the door to attend.
It also appears that the 2012 candidate forum the night before the CD1 endorsing convention required $10 paid admission for a reception for the delegate and following debate.
There may be more instances of such fundraising, but Krinkie seems to possess a very limited knowledge of Republican fundraising practices.
Krinkie's reluctance isn't unique. In 2010, Congressman Tim Walz declined a debate with Randy Demmer in Rochester because the local the chamber and Post-Bulletin were charging admission. Chip Cravaack was criticized in 2011 for appearing at events requiring admission, as were representatives in other states.
The Freedom Club's endorsement of Brian Davis in 2008 drew our attention in the post Freedom Club: covet this; or, drubbing the "Sam's Club" Republicans.
For praise from the right of Krinkie's decision, check out Minnesota Conservatives' Phil Krinkie Torches MN GOP Potemkin Villages.
Image: Doctor No Classic Comics.
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