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Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Johnson takes aim at Dayton as rivals target him

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Hennepin County Commissioner and Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson says he’s focusing now on DFL Gov.Mark Dayton rather than his three rivals in next week’s primary.

Johnson, the GOP-endorsed candidate for governor, held a mock groundbreaking today for the new $90 million Senate office building under construction near the state Capitol. Johnson opposes the project and offered his theory on why there was no official groundbreaking.

“It’s because the supporters of this, Gov. Dayton and many of the Democrats in the Legislature, are rightfully embarrassed,” Johnson said. “They’re ashamed of this project, and they realize that almost no one in Minnesota –whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat or an independent or a  Libertarian or a Socialist – it doesn’t matter. Almost no one in Minnesota  supports this.”

But Johnson’s Republican rivals were sharpening their attacks against him with just a few days left before the primary. Former House Speaker Kurt Zellers issued a statement criticizing Johnson’s willingness to broaden the state sales tax. Zellers called it a “liberal idea” that would hurt businesses.

“The fact that Jeff Johnson is open to this idea should trouble Minnesota taxpayers,” Zellers said.

Asked about Zellers’ comments, Johnson said he feels good about where his campaign is at.

“Kurt probably recognizes that he a ways behind and has to go on the attack pretty hard,” Johnson said.

The other Republicans in next week’s primary for governor are businessman Scott Honour and former House Minority Leader Marty Seifert.