Rasmussen continues to show a tight race between Dayton and Emmer

The race is between a moderate Democrat, a moderate Republican, and effectively a Tea Party candidate–Emmer.

What does this say about our state when a teabagger has even a reasonable chance of winning?

Rasmussen has a history of leaning right. Their polls should be taken with a grain of salt.

Mr. Dayton’s paid approximately $10,000 in Minnesota state taxes last year according to his tax filings. Mr. Dayton is the beneficary of one of the largest fortunes every created in the state of Minnesota and one of our wealthest residents. Of course, this is the candiate that claims wealthy Minnesotians are not paying their fair share of taxes. He must have reached this conclusion by reviewing his own tax records.

Now how can that be that one of our wealthest residents pays only $10,000 in state income taxes? Either he must be financially incompetent, having frittered away his fortune through poor investments, or he is sheltering income through complicated trusts and tax shelters. In either case is this the profile of a man we want to entrust with setting the priorities and managing the finances of the state of Minnesota?
Dayton’s agenda of increased spending and “taxing the rich” will result in all Minnesotans being less well off. We already have a serious state deficit and we are already one of the highest tax states in our country. Increased taxes will result in making Minnesota less competitve in the national job marke and individuals choosing to live in less onerous tax states. As a result, Dayton’s legacy will be lower state growth, fewer job opportunities, increased government spending, and lower state tax revenues. Just like the Dayton Department Stores, Minnesota will be relic of the past.

Of course, Mr Dayton will still be paying his $10,000 as his fair share of state taxes!!!

Bull Moose

Let’s assume everything you say about Mr. Dayton is true. You should be rejoicing! This is exactly the way things should be according to Republicans. If the wealthy don’t pay much in taxes, they immediately take all that money saved and create more jobs for the little people. According to Republicans, that’s a fact! So what are you complaining about? The system is working just the way you want it to.

Kevin,

I am not complaining just pointing out the implications of electing Mark Dayton as governor.

As for the “rich”, the top 10% of taxpayers in Minnesota pay about 80% of the state taxes. So I am not sure how they are not paying their fair share. Mark Dayton may not be, but most are.

Bull Moose

Bull Moose

And as you remember from the stats just out: The top 20% of wage earners take home 50% of the total wages paid out in the country. That leaves 50% of the remaining wages going to the other 80% of wage earners.

All your stats show (if accurate) is that a very, very small segment of the population controls a whole lot of wealth.

Eric, here’s your answer: A great state, with a lot of hope. :)