Winona News Editorial: Emmer’s priorities speak louder than words
"What Others Say"08/22/2010
Winona News
Posted: Saturday, August 21, 2010 12:25 am
Winona deserves the thanks of the rest of Greater Minnesota.
When the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities planned a gubernatorial debate here, we hoped that residents across the state might learn more about where the DFL, Republican and Independence Party candidates stand on key issues, such as budgets, schools, roads and bridges.
Instead of learning about where the GOP candidate stands on the issues, we probably learned everything we needed to know from Tom Emmer's silence.
Emmer snubbed rural Minnesota by not showing up for the debate. Instead, he made time for a private trucking coalition fundraiser.
His actions, in this case, speak louder than any of his words, even his off-base words about tipping.
Emmer's campaign would like Minnesotans to believe the aw-shucks excuse of little ol' small guy Emmer desperately in need of funds as he faces the wealthy goliath Mark Dayton.
But it's insulting to believe that Emmer couldn't spend the gas money to get to Winona and talk about issues that matter to Greater Minnesota.
Time may indeed be money during the campaign season, but the debate wasn't that long.
Let's face it, even the much-poorer third party could round up enough scratch to come to Winona.
So money - at least the little it would take to get him here - isn't the issue for Emmer. But money - in a bigger sense - is the issue.
Emmer appears to be beholden to whatever business seems to be doling out cash at the moment.
By snubbing the debate, Emmer not only snubbed rural Minnesota but also sent a powerful message: Raising funds is much more important than raising awareness.
It's good to know the priorities of Emmer because it's easy to assume they'll translate to the state's priorities if he's elected governor.
And it appears that attention, in the Emmer world of politics, goes to those willing to pay.
The slogan on one of Emmer's campaign brochure states, "Tom Emmer - an authentic leader you can trust."
We suppose that's true.
His lack of participation in a debate, instead heading to a fundraiser, is authentic. And we suppose we can trust that he'll continue such behavior.
On the positive side, many leaders from Greater Minnesota got the opportunity to see Emmer's commitment, or lack thereof.
Next time Emmer comes rolling through town, we'll assume it's because he doesn't have some other money-making opportunity available.
And if he lands in the governor's mansion, we'll just trust he cares about Greater Minnesota.
Until the next fundraiser or lobbyist with a checkbook comes along.
You have to wonder about a guy who wants to be governor but doesn't want people to know where he stands - or is too busy to say.
By Darrell Ehrlick, editor, on behalf of the Winona Daily News editorial board, which also includes publisher Rusty Cunningham and deputy editor Jerome Christenson. To comment, call (507) 453-3507 or send e-mail to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).