Has political spending by outside groups in this year’s campaign been a good thing?

Each Monday now through the election, we'll pose a question related to the race for governor. Today's Question: Has political spending by outside groups in this year's campaign been a good thing?

Republican candidate Tom Emmer:

Independent expenditures allow individuals and others the opportunity to express and advocate for their points of view. When done as allowed by law, it is an expression of speech that can be positive if they have honest dialogue about issues.

We will continue to campaign on our positive message of government living within its means and creating jobs.

Democratic candidate Mark Dayton:

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that our Constitution's First Amendment, which is, of course, fundamental to our democracy, protects political expenditures. What is needed, however, is full disclosure of the actual sources of all that money, so voters know who is behind it, and whose interests are really being represented. I will insist on that legislation for Minnesota, if I'm elected governor.

Independence Party candidate Tom Horner:

Outside spending -- especially by national special interest groups -- puts Minnesota's future up for sale. Their focus is on negative ads and dividing Minnesotans. It will only stop when candidates show the leadership to stand up to these organizations and tell them to stop.

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