The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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November 4, 2009

Our View: Openings ahead for voters, candidates

We can’t exactly say the Minnesota governor’s race is heating up; let’s just say it’s getting a bit lukewarm.

It’s coming to St. Peter’s Gustavus Adolphus College on Monday as a slate of declared candidates (mostly Democrats) meets at Alumni Hall for a 7 p.m. gubernatorial debate. Then on Nov. 12, four GOP gubernatorial candidates will be in Mankato for a forum sponsored by the Minnesota State University College Republicans.

Since these are college venues, candidates had better be ready to speak on topics related to higher education. The high and rising cost of a college education ought to come up, and we hope a rousing discussion ensues on: how to control spiraling tuition fees; and how to ensure the educational benefits grow along with the higher cost of that college education.

You won’t find a candidate for governor who doesn’t want to make it easier for more people to attend college, given the obvious fact a college education is more important than ever for future financial success. But how would they hold colleges and universities to a higher standard commensurate with what they’re charging for sheepskins?

At Gustavus Adolphus, there will be questions on all topics. The tendency on the part of gubernatorial candidates at this juncture (a year in advance of the 2010 election and before most voters have even bothered to pay close attention) will be to offer platitudes and generalities. But one never knows. The best way to appear unique and intriguing is to step away from the comfort zone, and one suspects questions from college crowds might tempt a candidate or two to walk on either side of the safety zone.

The best questions will be the ones that goad candidates into making a bold statement. Judge their performances not only on whether they agree with you, but whether their answers appear to diverge somewhat from a prepared script. If they’re able to do that, give them an extra point for thinking on their feet.

Candidates know what voters want to hear. And they know that we aren’t happy with how partisan and petty Minnesota politics has become.

And so, we can expect the candidates try to portray themselves as the one who can work with the other side — the candidate who isn’t tied down to party, but rather wants to do what’s best for the electorate. For us, the best way to judge their sincerity is to come to the debate familiar with their records.

The list of officially declared gubernatorial candidates is long. Debate-goers won’t hear every declared candidate on Monday, but some of the more higher-profile candidates have agreed to attend. That includes House Speaker Margaret Anderson-Kelliher, who according to MinnPost.com has been declared the early DFL front-runner. A recent straw poll seemed to give Rep. Marty Seifert front-runner status on the Republican side.

But it’s still early. And that’s what adds interest to Monday’s debate, because all candidates still need to find a way to stand out in a crowd.

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