Tom Emmer: Republicans must not back down

Mpls. Star Tribune ^ | 6/28/11 | Tom Emmer

[rhema]

[ . . . ]

In last year's campaign, Republican candidates across Minnesota ran on a very clear message: We have too much government; it is time to reduce its size and impact on our daily lives, liberties and economic freedom. We need to shrink the size of the bureaucracies, streamline government regulation and reduce taxes to jump-start our private economy.

Mark Dayton campaigned on a different message: We must raise taxes to continue to grow government, and I will tax only the richest Minnesotans. DFL candidates across Minnesota campaigned on the same message: We must raise taxes, but don't worry: We won't tax you; we will only tax the rich.

When the dust settled after the election, Minnesota voters overwhelmingly elected Republican majorities in the state House and Senate. Dayton was elected governor by the slimmest of margins, approximately 8,000 votes out of 2.2 million cast.

Excluding the cities Minneapolis and St. Paul, I -- as the Republican candidate -- actually won the state by approximately 6 percentage points.

That election set the stage for the legislative session. The Republican majorities were sent to St. Paul to start the process of reform -- to make government smaller and more efficient; to streamline the regulatory process that impacts people and business opportunities; to hold the line on government growth (meaning: Do not raise taxes ... or any other revenues).

How can we forget the Republican theme -- that government must learn to live within its means?

While everyone is entitled to their perspective, one fact remains. The Republican Legislature passed a balanced budget within the revenues government is projected to collect over the next two years (approximately $34 billion).

[screaminsunshine]

Still too many RINOS. They will cave at the last minute with some lame excuse.

[rhema]

Now is the time for real leaders who are prepared to govern. Contrary to the one-dimensional journalism practiced inside the special air of the State Capitol, and in contrast to the public servants and bureaucrats who seemingly talk only among themselves, we the people are no longer interested in politics as usual or politicians as usual.

[Spok]

All the money in the world will neither satiate the Democrats need to buy votes, nor teach them that the government has to live within its means. If the Republicans fold, everyone loses.

[HP8753]

time for Republicans to pass a Constitutional amendment for the people of MN to vote on:

1.) If Govt. is shutdown due to lack of passing a budget, No state taxes will be due during that time,

Businesses can keep whatever sales taxes they collect during the shutdown. Income taxes will be pro rated and reduced by the percentage of the year that govt. is shutdown.

2.) No legislators pay or per diem will be payed for those days the Govt. is shutdown.

[MplsSteve]

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[Aevery_Freeman]

So, Dayton wants to negotiate? Amy should submit a "compromise" bill that is just the current bill with a 10% off sale price tag on top. Then ask him if he wants to try for 20%.

Please call the show this morning with that suggestion.

[cableguymn]

The pubs have already started moving his way. Dayton has done little to move their way.

I hope they stand firm on no new taxes. but I bet they cave with T-Paw like “fee” increases of some sort.

[jurroppi1]

Liberal heads are exploding in the comments section there. Holy carp, no wonder we are in the position we are in with government.

[rhema]

It is the Minneapolis Star Tribune, after all. Liberals are incensed whenever a conservative columnist intrudes on their DFL house organ's pages.

[jurroppi1]

No doubt... Of course none of them realize they just got slapped in the head by reality! What should anyone expect other than 99% opposition to anything conservative from the star and sickle readers?