Republicans have their own primary, says Chairman Tony Sutton
Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton dismissed the idea that Republican voters primary election day — Tuesday, Aug. 10 — would go to the polls with the idea of getting rid of Independence Party (IP)-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner by voting for another IP candidate.
“We’ve got our own primary,” said Sutton, noting the challenge by frequent candidate Sharon Anderson of St. Paul against Republican-endorsed attorney general candidate Chris Barden.
There’s “absolutely no buzz,” said Sutton when asked, among Republicans about surgically removing Horner by voting for IP gubernatorial candidate Rob Hahn.
Hahn is a publisher and author from St. Paul.
Indeed, Sutton argued that an IP gubernatorial candidacy will draw more votes away from the DFL gubernatorial candidate than Republican-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Rep. Tom Emmer of Delano.
The talk of Republicans crossing over to eliminate Horner, Sutton argued, could be early spin by Horner to fallback on if he loses the primary.
Beyond this, who even knows which voters will show up primary day? Sutton asked.
“It’s a crap shoot,” he said of guessing.
Horner has suggested that Republicans could be trying to prevent him from reaching the November ballot.
“Republicans from the day I started floating a trial balloon (about running for governor) have been very, very worried about my candidacy,” Horner recently said.
Horner argues that Emmer is too far to the Right, which gives him an opening as a candidate.
Horner expressed concern about Hahn.
“We’re taking him (Hahn) very seriously,” said Horner.
“Not so much because of his candidacy, but because his candidacy presents a vehicle for Republicans to cross over and create mischief,” said Horner.
“Rob Hahn is a threat because of the willingness of Republicans and the willingness of Hahn to become a vehicle,” said Horner.
Hahn, who recently announced a limited cable television commercial buy, in a recent press release said his campaign would gladly accept donations from Republicans, as well as from Democrats and Independents.
“The fact that one of my IP opponents continues to suggest that Republicans might be backing my campaign and might cross over to vote for me in the primary indicates he might already be trying to spin defeat, failing to recognize I continue to run a strong campaign based on specific issues and details,” said Hahn.
During a recent appearance on Minnesota Public Radio, Horner and Hahn had spirited exchanges, Horner suggesting Hahn lacked an understanding of the issues — he deemed Hahn’s riverboat gambling proposal ludicrous — while Hahn accused Horner of being condescending in a comment he made about casino workers.
Sutton argues that the media is “kind” in its coverage of the IP, saying the party doesn’t compare at all to either the Republican or Democratic parties in terms of following and organization.
