Greater Minnesota GOP Delegates need to support balanced ticket

Dear Republican Delegate or Alternate,

I am writing to explain why I am an avid supporter of Marty Seifert for Governor. Marty is the candidate best positioned to keep the Republican firewall intact at the Governor’s Office in St. Paul. We need a candidate that will protect our Greater Minnesota values and understands our unique economic issues. Eight years ago, in my hometown of Albert Lea, we gathered together at the First District Convention and gave the Pawlenty Campaign a huge straw poll victory. Through many aggressive attacks against our candidate, we kept our momentum intact and refused to budge at the state endorsing convention. I wrote a letter in support of candidate Pawlenty eight years ago that is very similar to the one you are reading today. Below you can read a copy.

Regardless of who you may have supported eight years ago, the same can be said for Marty Seifert, except not only does he “get it” he has “lived it.”

Make no mistake, “purple” matters in Minnesota. Like my own district, much of the State leans Democrat. As a lifelong Republican, I am ecstatic that our base is clearly motivated to action leading up to this November election. We cannot win a statewide election, however, with only our base. We must be willing to attract independent and unaffiliated voters. We need a gubernatorial candidate on top of the ticket that will bring success to all of our candidates and our agenda.

It is easy to preach to the choir. The mark of a great leader, however, is to stick to your principals AND be open-minded and accessible to independent ideas. Success is not judged by sound bites and token votes; success is judged by results. Marty has proven that he can take tough votes and move our Republican agenda forward.

Marty Seifert is the best candidate to win the election and legislate for results, not gridlock.

Sincerely, Matt

_________________________________________________________
MATT BENDA
FREEBORN COUNTY

Albert Lea, Minnesota
June 13, 2002

Dear Republican Delegate:

Please consider the importance of having a Governor who has an intimate understanding of the unique issues we face outside the metropolitan area.As a delegate from Greater Minnesota, I believe we need a candidate that has a history of supporting issues important to rural Minnesota. Our candidate must take our Republican message statewide. Roger Moe is from rural Minnesota and if we don’t have a candidate who has a strong history of supporting these important issues, we will lose. There is only one candidate running for the Republican endorsement for Governor who can counter Moe on rural issues. Tim Pawlenty is that candidate.Tim’s actions speak louder than words.Tim has shown through his leadership that he strongly supports value added agriculture and that he understands the differing economies throughout Minnesota. Tim Pawlenty is the only candidate for Governor with a plan to spur economic development in Greater Minnesota. Tim has proposed creating tax-free zones for certain areas of the state that are having trouble creating jobs. Tim has fought (successfully) to lower taxes on farms and our local businesses. A quality rural infrastructure is crucial to our continued economic viability. Tim has fought to increase funding for our bridge and highway projects. He has show true creativity in advocating for this important economic issue.Finally, those of us from rural Minnesota know all to well about declining enrollment. Tim knows that if jobs are created, people will stay.I ask you to join me in supporting Tim Pawlenty because rural Minnesota needs a Governor who will fight with us.

Sincerely, Matt Benda

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