|
Tom Emmer's choice of Annette Meeks shows a strange decision making process that gives Marty Seifert an advantage.
Seifert has gone out of his way to show a balance during this campaign for the nomination. It is a philosophy that shows understanding between metro and rural interests here in Minnesota. His campaign focus during the past year, combined with, his choice of a Lt. Governor reflect a finely tuned campaign message that can win in Minnesota. He wants to be a Governor that understands and represents all of Minnesota.
Emmer's choice, today, only reinforces a concern that many non-metro voters have, in that, Tom Emmer does not understand issues in the outlying areas of our great state. His focus and campaign are about macro political philosophies with no understanding of nuance or balance. The choice of Meeks only reinforces what we already thought and brings nothing new to the table.
However, serving as a conservative small city mayor some finesse on different issues and perspectives are required. It is one strength Tim Pawlenty had and my personal experience advocating down at the legislature over several years is that Marty Seifert is the only GOPer left in this race who has shown a grasp of this important ability.
I have followed and agree with a lot of the recommendations that Annette Meeks had brought forward. In fact, I think her ideas and focus would have made her an interesting choice for Governor during the primary. However, she is a former Washington insider serving for House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and her service here in Minnesota have largely been Twin Cities focused.
Does Meeks help Emmer get the nomination? I'm not sure to be honest. It has already started to spark concerns here among voters in Todd County I meet at the local coffee shops. Todd County is a county GOPers have to win by a good margin. Minnesota House Speaker Maragret Anderson-Kelliher will be a formidable candidate here in Todd County and has worked at crafting a metro & rural campaign focus.
In the Mayor's opinion Seifert is the only candidate that will be able to bridge the gap with the right campaign focus. If you think I'm wrong please review the results of the Kennedy & Klobuchar race here in Todd County.
Emmer's choice of Meeks shows what should be a concern to those in the Republican Party wanting a win, and that is what the GOP faces here in West Central Minnesota if the Emmer Campaign does not address what has become a big weak spot in their campaign.
|
