GOP responds to Dayton TV spot

The Republican Party of Minnesota has responded to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton’s new TV spot with a 44-second YouTube video of its own. The video brings up episodes Dayton would likely rather forget: TIME’s 2006 designation of Dayton as one of the “5 Worst Senators” and his decision to close his Senate office in 2004 in fear of a terrorist attack, among others.

The video also brings up comments Dayton made to students at Renville County West High School in 2006. According to a Lexis-Nexis record of a West Central Tribune story, Dayton gave himself a grade of “F” for his accomplishments as a senator, but with a caveat:

He said being part of the minority party in Congress had much to do with keeping him from achieving his goals.

Asked by a student whether he was satisfied with his accomplishments in the Senate, Dayton replied, “Definitely not.” And he added that he’ll be leaving office “frustrated.”

Dayton announced in February 2005 he would not seek re-election for a second term.

Speaking in general terms, Dayton told the students he feels the country “is going in the wrong direction.”

“I can’t do anything about that and it bothers me,” he said.

While the content of the video is damning for Dayton, it’ll have a tough time countering Dayton’s commercial, which is backed by a broadcast media buy topping $350,000 in the Twin Cities market.