There are currently four Republicans in Senate District 18 vying for endorsement to run against DFL candidate and 11 year Army veteran, Hal Kimball. At a recent convention in McLeod County, those four candidates discussed their intentions about endorsement versus running in a primary election.
According to an article in the McLeod County Chronicle, in the process of discussing their electoral intentions with regards to endorsement and primary it was remarked that Hal Kimball, the DFL candidate, is a “dangerous guy“. WHAT? Yep, a dangerous guy:
Benoit said he supports the endorsing process. He said there is so much at stake “and my opponent, Hal Kimball, is a dangerous guy.”
The article does not explain why Benoit or the other Republican candidates would consider an 11 year veteran of the United States Army a “dangerous guy“. The article also does not mention any other Republican candidate distancing themselves from calling Kimball dangerous. One wonders how many other Republicans are willing to step forward and proclaim that this particular veteran is, in fact, dangerous.
It appears evident though, from this article, that hard line conservatives have taken over the party in Senate District 18 once dominated by reasonable Republican, Steve Dille, and that anyone, even a military veteran, who disagrees with them is considered “dangerous“. While running an election on fear and scare tactics may make for interesting politics it makes for decidedly bad governance. Let’s hope that the people of Senate District 18 see this rhetoric for what it is, divisive and not at all helpful in solving the problems of our state.
Note: I sent an email to the writer of the article, Rich Glennie, in an attempt to answer some of the above questions. I am also in the process of seeking comment from the Republicans in this race and from the Kimball campaign.
I’ve always found Hal to be energetic, a good listener, and caring. And patient (thank you, Hal).
I believe Hal will work hard, be responsible, and make things better.
SO THERE, Republicans, and news entities, that don’t understand what it takes to lead and think of more than just yourself.
The only thing I see dangerous about Hal Kimball is that he has a good chance to beat them. Keep after them. Benoit can't just make blanket ambiguous statements like that and expect to get away with it.
Do you not think that when they used the term "dangerous", they were just saying that he was one to look out for? That they were scared that he might actually win? From the quotes I've read, I really don't take this to mean that Hal is dangerous, as in "I'm going to blow you up." I take it to mean, "Hal is going to win."
Thanks everyone! Help us fight back. You can donate online at http://www.halkimball.com/donate/
He is some of statements that the People running against Hal gave.
http://mnpatriots.com/
“I would definitely want to provide leadership to convert the state’s pension system from “defined benefit” to a “defined contribution” plan.”
“I definitely would support elimination of the corporate income tax as well as the separate corporation taxation. I also believe in a real simplification of taxes in general. I don’t believe income should be taxed at all.”
“I absolutely support the elimination of the “prevailing wage” rules.”
“Yes I support the elimination of all business subsidies.”
“We must somehow get the unionization of state workers to be illegal. There is no reason for government employees to unionize.”
Send Hal money!
I must object to the false and misleading statement presented by Tom. While the first five quotes are absolutely true, the last one "We must somehow get the unionization of state workers to be illegal. There is no reason for government employees to unionize.” is false. As webmaster for the http://www.mnpatriots.com website, I can assure the readers here that this did not, and does not appear on any of the responses provided by any of the GOP's 4 Senate 18 candidates.
I would further invite Tom and others to go to the website and post comments in opposition. Any and all respectful comments will be posted.
My recent post CPI Adjusted Budget
I would like to invite Hal to browse over to the http://www.mnpatriots.com website and publicly debate the GOP candidate on the 10 topics I selected during the GOP nominating process. The comments section is open to all respectful guests.
My recent post CPI Adjusted Budget