In their first "job interview" for Minnesota's top office, the three candidates for governor on Wednesday night talked about who they are and what they have done, instead of once again discussing what policies they would pursue if elected.
During an hourlong discussion at Macalester College, Democrat Mark Dayton, Republican Tom Emmer and the Independence Party's Tom Horner talked about their personal strengths and weaknesses, views on success and the hardest lessons they have learned. KARE-TV and Minnesota Public Radio sponsored it.
Asked how he would surprise Minnesotans if elected, Emmer replied he would show up at meetings of Democrats, as well as Republicans, across the state to discuss his and their visions.
"I will go and meet people face to face," he said. "Maybe initially when I walk in they might be a little taken aback. ...
"(But) if you will talk to each other, even if you disagree, you can't dislike each other. I'd like to show you that."
ADVERTISEMENT
Dayton said he would surprise the "people who have been watching TV commercials" by showing them he's not the awful person portrayed in the ads of his adversaries.
Echoing Emmer's spirit of bipartisanship, the Democrat said he would invite Republicans to his Christmas party.
"After the election, we're all Minnesotans," he said. "We all want most of the same things for ourselves and our children and our grandchildren. That's when we come together and recognize our common humanity."
Horner wasn't
asked about how he would surprise people, but in response to another question said he would reach past Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature to all Minnesotans to build support for his policies. That, he said, would prod lawmakers to act.
Dayton said the hardest lesson he has learned is that he's an alcoholic.
"It's also the source of my strength and one of my gifts in life," he said, adding it has forced him to be disciplined and recognize his shortcomings.
Emmer and Horner said their hardest lessons were, in the Republican's words, "We are not in control of everything in life." Horner said that "life throws you a lot of curve balls," and he had to learn to accept what he couldn't command.
ADVERTISEMENT
Asked about their greatest weaknesses, Horner volunteered his was "eating ice cream out of the carton." But on a more serious note, he said being patient is challenging for him. His wife, Libby, who was seated in the audience, agreed but quickly added, "He's always on time."
Dayton acknowledged that impatience is also his main weakness.
"I'm demanding of myself and the people who work with me and for me," he said.
Emmer said his prime weakness is a belief that he has to "take on every battle." He said he should focus on doing the most important things.
Asked what he would consider a successful four-year term, Horner said it would be leaving his successor with a balanced budget, creating more jobs and providing education programs that prepare children for kindergarten, allow teachers to teach and groom high school graduates for jobs or higher education.
Dayton said his definition of success is putting Minnesotans back to work, balancing the budget and being an effective advocate for excellent education.
Asked if he would give up his principles if the public overwhelming opposed them, Emmer said, "If we're talking about my core beliefs being smaller, more efficient government, individual liberty and economic freedom, no."
Coming six days before the election, the event was the 28th joint appearance by the candidates during this campaign season. They have scheduled two more debates, one Friday night on Twin Cities Public Television's "Almanac" show and another Sunday afternoon on MPR.
ADVERTISEMENT
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
