Facts vs. Smears

Powerline Blog ^ | August 27, 2022 | John Hinderaker

[T Ruth]

Scott has been writing about the race for Governor of Minnesota that is now in progress. Incumbent left-wing Governor Tim Walz is running scared, for obvious reasons. Challenger Scott Jensen, a doctor rather than a professional politician, is working hard and resonating with voters. The latest polling has the race tied.

We spent the day today at the Minnesota State Fair, one of the world’s extraordinary events. The two candidates’ fair presences highlight the differences in their campaigns. Scott Jensen is running an admirable campaign: fact-based, data-driven, all about the issues. ...

***

So what of Tim Walz? He can’t run on his record, which has been disastrous. On the other hand, he and his party are rolling in money. Insiders say that he will outspend Scott Jensen by ten to one. So Walz, like Joe Biden in 2020, has gone to ground. He is doing as little as possible, counting on his huge cash pile and the Democrats’ registration advantage in Minnesota to carry him through, despite being a lousy governor.

Three weeks ago at FarmFest, Walz and Jensen debated before a large, rural audience. It did not go well for Walz. ...

So this year’s race for governor is a conflict between substance and smears. Rich liberals from the coasts are pouring millions of dollars into Walz’s campaign, and local television is deluged with ads, all of which are about abortion. Which, needless to say, is not on the ballot.

… You can contribute to a solid conservative campaign, run by a hard-working candidate who eminently deserves to win, here. ...

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The Left has the money, but we have the facts on our side. I like our odds.

[kiryandil]

State-wide Minnesota races are rigged in a 55 mile by 70 mile rectangle centered on the Twin Cities.

[jdege]

all of which are about abortion. Which, needless to say, is not on the ballota

The Minnesota Supreme Court has held that abortion is protected under the Minnesota Constitution. Nothing that comes out of Dobbs will be binding precedent here.