Gaither: 'lanes before trains'

David Gaither, GOP-endorsed candidate for state Senate in SD44, had a great radio interview (Late Debate - 07/14/12: Jack and Ben, AM 1130 Twin Cities News Talk) a couple of weeks ago.

Gaither explained his transportation priorities in three words: "Lanes before trains." While the only two-lane stretch of I-494 creates headaches every day in SD44, Gaither's opponent, Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka) has been a prominent proponent of the Southwest Corridor light rail boondoggle project — which won't haul the commercial cargo or groceries that I-494 does. While Bonoff touts the southwest suburbs' desire to benefit from a taxpayer-funded labor train, Gaither favors measures that would improve the business climate for all Minnesota businesses.

Interestingly, Gaither asserted that he is "not running against Bonoff." Instead, he said that is running for better ideas for SD44 and the state of Minnesota. Accordingly, Gaither believes that the GOP must retain its majority in the Senate to block Gov. Mark Dayton's agenda in favor of its own. Gaither said that Bonoff voted with the DFL caucus 85% of the time during her tenure in the Senate.

Yet Gaither said that he is prepared to work with his DFL colleagues in the Senate and with Gov. Dayton. He did just that during his tenure in the Senate (2002-2005). "I don't care who gets the credit," said Gaither, "I care about getting things done."

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SD44 campaigns heat up

David Gaither, Hamel Rodeo Parade, July 8, 2012.

The campaigns in SD44 are in full swing and hotter than a firecracker on Independence Day. The candidates are door knocking, walking parades, and meeting and greeting at summer festivals in the district.

Businessman Mark Stefan, who is challenging current Rep. John Benson (DFL-Minnetonka), had supporters in campaign shirts at both the June 30 Music in Plymouth 5K run and the 40th annual music and fireworks event on July 4. Stefan, who worked on the campaign of state Senate candidate Norann Dillon, has traded places: now Dillon is managing his campaign.

David Gaither, who is challenging current Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka), had the most popular giveaway item of that sweltering evening at Music in Plymouth: handheld fans. The entire stock of several hundred were distributed in the first hour. Sen. Bonoff had a booth near one of the park entrances, handing out balloons and greeting constituents.

Voter ID advocates from ProtectMyVote.com were on hand to raise awareness and answer questions about the photo ID amendment to the Minnesota Constitution, which will be on the ballot in November.

Hard-working U.S. Senate candidate Kurt Bills walked the Hamel Rodeo Parade on a sunny and hot July 8 not once, but twice: once before the parade started, then in the parade itself. The Minnesota state legislator and economics teacher will challenge current Sen. Amy Klobuchar with a simple but powerful message of "Economics 101." Kurt and his supporters are Tweeting with the hashtag #noklo2012. Rep. Erik Paulsen's (MN-3) typically large volunteer contingent also braved the hot sun to walk the parade with his orange campaign signs. Gaither walked the parade with his wife Susan, as his volunteers handed out frozen ice pops to the crowd.