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Capitol View®
Catharine Richert

Conservative group targets Democrats on gas tax

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Vulnerable DFL senators in eight districts are getting hit with a barrage of ads in the closing days of the legislative session criticizing their stance on a proposed gas tax increase.

The digital ads, which are paid for by the Minnesota Jobs Coalition, a group that backs Republican candidates, are coming at a critical time: Legislative leaders are meeting behind closed doors at the governor's residence trying to negotiate a two-year budget agreement.

A transportation plan isn't part of the budget, but it's become a sticking point that's slowed headway on other issues. DFL Sen. Tom Bakk said that the transportation plan is "dead" as long as House Republicans continue to push for a $2 billion tax cut.

Senate Democrats have backed Gov. Mark Dayton's plan to increase the gas tax by at least 16 cents to raise $6 billion in new revenue for road and bridge construction. They argue the current gas tax structure isn't keeping up with transportation costs.

Meanwhile, Republicans say the gas tax increase isn't necessary when the state has a $1.9 billion surplus, and they're using the argument to put pressure on DFL Senators who may face a backlash from voters in 2016 for voting to raise the gas tax in a time of surplus.

The digital ads will target the following DFL senators:

Matt Schmit, Red Wing

Vicki Jensen, Owatonna

LeRoy Stumpf, Plummer

Lyle Koenen, Clara City

Kevin Dahle, Northfield

Greg Clausen, Apple Valley

Melisa Franzen, Edina

Bev Scalze, Little Canada