The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Election News

October 20, 2006

Serious debate has a few lighter moments

By Mark Fischenich

MANKATO — Folks who chose a political debate at Bethany Lutheran College over Larry the Cable Guy at the Midwest Wireless Civic Center Thursday night still got a few laughs out of their event.

Republican Congressman Gil Gutknecht and Democratic challenger Tim Walz got off several lines that amused the standing-room-only crowd.

The first half of the debate — which will be rebroadcast at 7 p.m. today on Minnesota Public Radio with highlights on public TV’s Almanac at the same time — was weighty and somber as war, transportation and agriculture were discussed. The issues were similarly serious in the second half, but were interrupted by some lighter moments.

After Gutknecht threw out statistics about economic growth and an increase in the number of jobs, Walz made the point that not everyone is feeling the impact.

“When’s the last time the GDP filled your gas tank?” asked Walz, who added that one young person wasn’t impressed by Republican claims about a strong economy.

Walz said he asked the man why, noting that there were supposedly a lot of new jobs.

“He said, ‘I know, I’ve got two of them,’” Walz said.

When the candidates were asked what they admired about each other (which got a laugh in itself), Walz said he admired Gutknecht’s passion for his family. But when the award-winning Mankato West High School teacher added that someone could be a great person “and not be a great congressman,” Gutknecht was ready with a response.

“I agree, just because someone was teacher of the year doesn’t mean he’ll be a great congressman,” Gutknecht said.

The debate was sponsored by Debate Minnesota, a bipartisan organization that — in conjunction with the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota — attempts to boost the civility in politics by hosting debates in tight races. It was moderated by St. Paul Pioneer Press political reporter Bill Salisbury and Free Press Editor Joe Spear.

Salisbury, after listening to the candidates spend 90 minutes trying to win votes and a few laughs, left impressed.

“No matter who you elect,” he told the audience, “you’re going to have an articulate representative in Washington.”

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Election News
  • Candidates GOP candidates rally the faithful in Mankato

    Republican candidates Tom Emmer and Randy Demmer were in Mankato Saturday morning rallying the faithful. Former Senator Norm Coleman was in town, too.

    October 30, 2010 1 Photo

  • election 2010 Leadership values at heart of Mankato mayoral contest

    Mankato mayoral candidates Eric Anderson and sitting mayor John Brady differ somewhat on the specifics of effective mayoral leadership.

    October 29, 2010 3 Photos

  • Walz Walz seeks 3rd term in challenging season

    A former defensive coordinator for the Mankato West Scarlets, Congressman Tim Walz is facing an all-out blitz in his run for a third term.

    October 28, 2010 1 Photo

  • Demmer Demmer offers a contrasting philosophy

    State Rep. Randy Demmer, the Hayfield Republican looking to unseat Congressman Tim Walz, isn’t offering a 100-point plan to balance the budget, or a detailed health care proposal, or a 20-year strategy to make America energy-independent.

    October 27, 2010 1 Photo

  • election 2010 Ward 5 race a battle over Mankato's stewardship

    The voters of west Mankato have a clear choice between a three-term incumbent who defends the city’s record and a challenger who sees wasted spending across the city.

    October 27, 2010 3 Photos

  • Wilson Wilson fighting uphill battle in 1st District

    Independence Party candidate Steven Wilson hasn't the funding of his two main challengers, but he's not short on ideas.

    October 26, 2010 1 Photo

  • Campaign Notebook: Governor debate tonight at MSU

    The race for governor will be focused on south-central Minnesota with tonight’s debate at Minnesota State University, but the candidates were also scheduling some additional pre-debate campaigning in the area.

    October 25, 2010

  • election 2010 Frost, Robb vie in Ward 3

    Councilman Mark Frost and challenger Carie Robb are both community-minded candidates who see themselves as common-sense councilors.

    October 25, 2010 3 Photos

  • election 2010 Foreman, Massad contend in Mankato Ward 1

    Mankato may not have a budget deficit, but its struggle to find a balance of tax increases and cuts weighs on the mind of Ward 1 competitors Najwa Massad and Karen Foreman.

    October 22, 2010 3 Photos

  • Spears North Mankato City Council candidates field wide range of topics

    Incumbents Diane Norland and Ken DeWitte and challengers Kim Spears and Bob Freyberg vied to put their best feet forward in the latest round of Greater Mankato Growth-sponsored public candidate debates for North Mankato City Council.

    October 20, 2010 4 Photos