Downey Decries Recent Political 'Muckraking'

Editor's Note: The following comes from the office of Keith Downey, Republican candidate for Senate District 49. The views expressed are solely his and do not reflect those of Patch.

The challenge we face as a state and country remains substantial. The challenge to re-position state government for the future can seem daunting. And the challenge of the upcoming political campaign is in full force already.

Early evidence shows my opponents waging a very negative campaign. You've heard the phrase "politics ain't beanbag." Absolutely. A hard-fought campaign of ideas, principles and priorities is exactly what we need. But it’s barely June, and on top of the negative online and mail campaigns already underway from Alliance for a Better Minnesota, an Edina DFL activist has taken it to new levels, comparing me to former Cambodian mass murderer Pol Pot.

Let me say as strongly as I can: we won’t win in November, and more importantly we will never convince anyone of the merit of our ideas and solutions, by joining the muckraking.

We will win the old fashioned way—by working the hardest, and by thoughtfully, honestly, politely, boldly and cheerfully presenting a better way for Minnesota.

If my opponent’s supporters want to call me a hater and compare me to mass murderers, that clearly warrants no response. But I would like to share with you some of their so-called "wrong priorities" that I have focused on during my four years in the Minnesota House:

• Focusing on private sector job and economic growth.
• Emphasizing fiscal responsibility to structurally balance our state budget by 2015.
• Reforming state government to improve effectiveness while reducing costs.
• Co-chairing the bipartisan House Small Business Caucus to allow our small business job creators to grow and thrive in Minnesota.
• Working to ensure all Minnesota children have access to great schools and excellent teachers, and that families and local districts have a greater say.
• Supporting disabled Minnesotans by allowing them more control over their lives and needed services.
• Empowering state workers and teachers, not the bureaucracy and unions.
• Ensuring that Minnesotans, not the federal government, control their health care, energy and education policy.
• Trusting Minnesotans to advance our state, rather than more government.

This November, voters will decide who has the right priorities and who does not. I have tried to provide leadership on these priorities, and we have started to see results. I remain convinced they are the key to our future in Minnesota.

So let’s stay the course—with these priorities and a civil approach.

For a summary of the legislative session, .

I look forward to seeing you in the campaign ahead!

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