Emmer wins GOP endorsement for governor

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, won the GOP endorsement for governor on Friday afternoon, after Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, conceded after the second ballot. Emmer will take on the winner between the DFL-endorsed House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Matt Entenza and Mark Dayton after the August primary. Just prior to winning, Emmer had picked up endorsements from Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich.

Reactions from most political quarters have been predictable.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher:

“This race for governor is about the people and the future of Minnesota, and I believe voters are ready for honest solutions to the issues we face. I congratulate Tom Emmer on winning the Republican Party endorsement and I look forward to a spirited and civil campaign as we talk to voters all across the state.”

DFL chair Brian Melendez:

“The Republican Party today blessed the more inflammatory of its two leading candidates and, swayed by a last-minute personal appeal from former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, endorsed state representative Tom Emmer as the Republican gubernatorial candidate. Emmer made news last week when he joined other Republican legislators in proposing a state constitutional amendment that would let a legislative minority block federal legislation in Minnesota. He made news this week when he embraced immigration proposals that even staunch conservatives say go too far. And while he was grandstanding for his Tea Party base about wedge issues, Minnesotans continue to struggle with economic hardships amidst historic job losses.”

Newt Gingrich:

“Last November, Republicans elected two great conservative governors: Bob McDonnell in Virginia and Chris Christie in New Jersey. They followed up with an earth-shattering election in Massachusetts, delivering Ted Kennedy’s former seat to a conservative Republican. America wants to turn the tide on the unprecedented expansion of government they see on all levels. Minnesota has a great opportunity this fall to continue in that tradition by electing two principled conservatives in Tom Emmer and Annette Meeks. Tom Emmer is a citizen politician in the best tradition of American democracy. Annette Meeks has devoted her life to the advancement of our conservative movement. I’m proud to endorse the Emmer / Meeks ticket and look forward to helping elect them this fall.”

Democratic Governors Association Executive Director Nathan Daschle:

“With a last-minute blessing from Sarah Palin, Tom Emmer tonight claimed the Minnesota Republican nomination for governor. Emmer, who has spent his career as a rubberstamp for Tim Pawlenty’s reckless management, has promised to continue his irresponsible and disastrous agenda. Whether it’s denying health care to veterans or increasing class sizes, Emmer’s record is one of putting Tim Pawlenty’s agenda before Minnesota families. Minnesotans want more jobs, not more Tim Pawlenty.

Our strong Democratic candidates have a vision for rebuilding Minnesota that embraces the optimism of the people of state. They know that together Minnesotans can strengthen our schools, create good jobs and restore our prosperity.”