July 29, 2010
Republican Congressional candidate Randy Demmer met with a small group of business owners in Owatonna this morning for a “Round Table” discussion of the region’s economy, job creation, and the role of the federal government.
“Congressman Tim Walz and the Democrat leadership he supports in Washington are out of touch with the main street businesses here in Southern Minnesota,” Demmer said. “What I heard this morning – and what I’ve been told throughout the course of the campaign – is that government needs to get control of its spending – just like families and businesses have had to during these challenging economic times.”
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July 21, 2010
Demmer announced today that his campaign has moved on to "Contender" status in the NRCC's Young Gun's Program.
From the NRCC's press release:
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that Republican Randy Demmer (MN-01) has reached ‘Contender’ status as part of its Young Guns program. ‘Contender’ status is the second step in the three-level program. Demmer now faces a new set of benchmarks to reach ‘Young Gun’ status in his bid to represent Minnesota’s First Congressional District. His opponent is incumbent Democrat Tim Walz, who rubber-stamped his party’s failed trillion-dollar stimulus with no jobs to show for it. Proving that Minnesota voters are tired of Walz’s out-of-touch agenda, Demmer has raised an impressive $303,641 during the second quarter of 2010 and has over $250,000 cash on hand.
Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. By achieving ‘Contender’ status, Demmer has already demonstrated his ability to build a successful campaign structure and achieve vital fundraising goals.
“Randy Demmer has met a series of rigorous fundraising and campaign goals that will go a long way in helping to put this seat back in the Republican column,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Randy is part of a strong and growing pool of candidates who are frustrated with the Democrat majority’s big-government ways and aren’t willing to stand by any longer. The success of his campaign has put congressional Democrats on notice that Americans are ready to turn the page on the failed experiment known as the Obama-Pelosi agenda.”
Randy Demmer is currently serving his fourth term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. As someone who has successfully run a small business, Demmer knows firsthand the damage that the Obama-Walz agenda is inflicting on Southern Minnesota’s economy. After receiving his Bachelors of Agricultural Business Administration degree from the University of Minnesota, Demmer began working on his family operated farm. He then went on to pursue a career as a successful businessman, forming a computerized accounting company and owning three auto parts stores, later selling these businesses to his employees. Demmer and his wife Kathy are lifelong residents of Hayfield and have three daughters. He is also an active member of the community, volunteering with several associations such as the Dodge County Corn Growers and the Hayfield Area Chamber of Commerce. By reaching the second level of the NRCC’s Young Guns program, Demmer has begun to follow in the footsteps of fellow Minnesotan Rep. Erik Paulsen, whose role in the program was vital to his victory in 2008.
Randy Demmer now faces a new set of rigorous goals that will elevate him to the top level of the Young Guns program and help him build a competitive, effective and winning campaign.
July 16, 2010
On the heels of an extremely successful fundraising quarter in which he raised over $300,000, Republican Congressional candidate Randy Demmer today formally announced the team that has helped make the campaign so successful over the past months.
Serving as Chairman of the Demmer for Congress campaign is former Rep. Vin Weber, who represented a large swath of the district during his time in Congress. “Nobody understands Southern Minnesota better than Vin Weber,” said Randy Demmer. “I am proud to have him serve as my campaign chair and help guide us through to victory in this fall’s election.”
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July 8, 2010
Demonstrating the growing momentum behind his campaign, Republican Congressional candidate Randy Demmer announced today that his campaign raised $303,641.01 in the second quarter of 2010. The campaign ended the reporting period with $251,172.68 cash on hand, and $375,433.01 raised in this election cycle to date.
“I am so very thankful for all the people across the First District who contributed to my campaign. Thanks to their generous support, we were able to meet and even exceed our fundraising goals for the quarter,” said Randy Demmer. “We still have a lot of work to do, but thanks to over 1,000 separate contributors, we are on track and well-positioned heading into the next phase of the campaign.”
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July 4, 2010
I hope all of you have enjoyed a wonderful holiday weekend filled with parades and community celebrations, get-togethers with family and friends, and, of course, beautiful displays of fireworks.
On this day we remember the freedoms that our Founders laid out for us: "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among them are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness".
Our challenge as Americans is to hold fast to these ideals and continuously and steadfastly defend them - especially today, as we face an increasingly dangerous and uncertain world.
Please, take a moment today to pause and think about the freedoms and the opportunities that we have been granted throughout our history, and consider how you too can do your part in ensuring a brighter future for generations yet to come.
May God bless you, and may God continue to bless these United States of America!
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June 28, 2010
Republican Congressional Candidate State Representative Randy Demmer released the following statement today, criticizing House Democrats and Congressman Tim Walz for their failure to enact or even propose a budget for the federal government:
“As a small business owner and farmer, I’m concerned with the lack of leadership coming out of Washington. What Americans are looking for is real action on the economy – not just more spending increases, bailouts, and additional government programs. As long as Tim Walz and the House Democrats refuse to act, we will continue to miss opportunities to create jobs and grow the economy. Here in Southern Minnesota, we know you can’t grow the economy by growing government. The best way to revive the economy and create jobs is to reduce government spending and encourage businesses to expand and succeed – and that is what I will do.
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June 24, 2010
Congressional candidate State Representative Randy Demmer today released an additional statement on the DISCLOSE Act following comments made by Congressman Walz and new information about specific provisions now included in the bill:
“In a response to my statement urging him to vote against the DISCLOSE Act, Congressman Tim Walz attempts to link opposition to these onerous, costly, and unconstitutional new regulations to support for Wall Street and complicity in the financial collapse, and argues he’s only interested in transparency. Once again, Walz’s rhetoric doesn’t match up with the actual content of the legislation he’s supporting.
Many organizations opposed to the DISCLOSE Act – groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) and National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), and the thousands of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individual citizens they represent – had nothing to do with our financial crisis, and nothing to do with Wall Street’s irresponsible behavior. These organizations oppose the DISCLOSE Act because the reporting requirement exemptions it contains actually add to the power of special interests – for groups that are on the "correct" side of the political spectrum, or that are useful in certain swing districts.
Now, as the bill inches closer to the House floor, details on a new backroom deal have emerged, which would exempt from reporting requirements any transfers between affiliated entities – including individuals rather than just organizations – up to $50,000. So much for Walz’s arguments for transparency. Unions would now be permitted to shift unlimited amounts of money around through various affiliated entities, without having to report a single detail on any of the transactions.
It’s now clear that this bill was never about disclosure, transparency or the need for voters to know who is spending money on elections. This is about Tim Walz and his colleagues attempting an end-run around the Constitution in order to muzzle critical voices in a brazen and last-ditch attempt to save their own skin.”
June 22, 2010
(Hayfield, MN)- Republican Congressional Candidate State Representative Randy Demmer (MN-01) today called on Tim Walz and other House Democrats to vote “no” on the DISCLOSE Act, which is tentatively scheduled for a vote in the House this Thursday, with the following statement:
“The DISCLOSE Act is yet another example of the special interest politics as usual that we’ve unfortunately grown accustomed to Washington. This bill would restrict free speech by placing onerous and costly regulations on industry groups, membership associations, and individual companies seeking to take advantage of their legal right to have an impact on legislation and elections – a right recently upheld by the Supreme Court.
This administration and the Congressional leadership that Tim Walz supports are attempting to legislate around the Constitution and selectively benefit their friends and muzzle their opposition with the mid-term elections just ahead. On the campaign trail in 2008, Americans were promised change from politics as usual, but instead, we are now offered legislation that actually codifies and amplifies the importance of special interest power.”
It is because Tim Walz and his colleagues in Congress have failed to deliver on their promises of change and have instead turned back to playing political games instead of governing that I am confident that the American voters will seek out new leadership this November.”
June 14, 2010
(Washington, D.C.) - The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has officially announced State Rep. Randy Demmer as an ‘On the Radar’ candidate, an important first step in its Young Guns program. Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. Demmer is running in Minnesota’s First Congressional District, a seat that is currently held by Congressman Tim Walz.
“The NRCC’s announcement today marks an important milestone for the campaign,” Demmer said. “To gain this recognition as one of the top tier competitive races nationally is an acknowledgement of the strong support that my campaign is receiving across the District. Voters in Southern Minnesota are fed up with the massive expansion of government and unsustainable and dangerous levels of debt that Tim Walz has actively supported, and this November they will choose to return fiscally responsible, proven leadership to Washington.”
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June 10, 2010
In an editorial published in the Wednesday, June 9th edition, the Mankato Free Press highlighted Congressman Walz's lack of fiscal discipline, as he voted recently to add another $54 billion to the deficit, overlooking again the PAYGO rules his own majority put in place to help keep spending in check.
Read the full article on the Mankato Free Press web site, or read on:
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June 3, 2010
On the same day that Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius stumped for the government takeover of healthcare in Rochester, Republican Congressional candidate Randy Demmer reiterated his opposition to this massive government expansion, and emphasized his support for maintaining an individual’s control over their own health care choices.
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May 26, 2010
(St. Paul, MN) – State Representative Randy Demmer filed today at the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office to seek election as Congressman for Minnesota’s First Congressional District, a seat currently held by Tim Walz.
“Our nation is at a crossroad – and now more than ever, we need leadership in Congress that truly represents our District; someone who will be a tireless advocate for our communities, families, and our children,” said Demmer. “I have a strong record in support of limited and fiscally responsible government and private sector job creation, and I will always work hard on behalf of the small businesses and farmers that make up the backbone of our economy.”
“I have done that in St. Paul, and I will bring the same values and principles to Washington,” Demmer said.
“As a small business owner and farmer and a lifetime resident of the First District, I share the fear and frustration that voters feel for the direction that Tim Walz is helping take this country,” Demmer said. “The change that we were promised on the campaign trail simply has hasn’t turned into the results that the people of Minnesota hoped for.”
Demmer cited Walz’ unwavering support for a European-style big government agenda, which has led to record budget deficits, mounting national debt, and more government intrusion into people’s daily lives. Walz also voted for the cap and trade tax and an unsustainable health care entitlement expansion that will together cost Minnesota’s families and businesses trillions of dollars.
“Based on his voting record in Congress, either Tim Walz has let Washington change him, or he was never the moderate he portrayed himself to be,” said Demmer.
“It has been an honor to represent the people of my district here in St. Paul, and I hope to continue to work on behalf of the people of Southern Minnesota as the next Congressman from Minnesota’s First District.”
May 13, 2010
From Rep. Randy Demmer's opinion piece published in the Rochester Post-Bulletin on May 12:
In a recent opinion piece published by several local newspapers, Congressman Tim Walz bemoaned the lack of fiscal discipline that he and his colleagues in Congress have displayed. He mentions the high costs of debt service and the dampening effect that deficits have on the economy and on job creation, and rightfully reminds the readers of the responsibility we have to our children and future generations.
He makes a strong case for the need for fiscal discipline, and I agree wholeheartedly with his message. We must take swift action to reduce the deficit and restore common-sense budgeting priorities to Washington in order to avoid a fiscal meltdown.
There is a problem, however. The concerns expressed by Congressman Walz when he's at home in the district and on the campaign trail in an election year just don't mesh with the positions and votes he takes in Washington. As a member of the majority and someone who votes the party line 97 percent of the time, he is calling attention to a problem that he himself helped to create.
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May 4, 2010
Want to be a part of a congressional campaign? Interested in public policy and elections? Want to learn first-hand the behind the scenes of running a national campaign?
Demmer for Congress is currently looking for college students to intern with the campaign and become part of our team. Aside from being able to use their knowledge and talents in a professional setting, interns are given the opportunity to acquire new skills and gain further knowledge of the political process.
Throughout the course of an internship, participants will be asked to handle a wide variety of duties essential to the campaign. Some of these responsibilities include: calling to “get out the vote”, door-knocking, volunteer recruitment, data entry, and parade and event planning. Interns will also gain experience in web site maintenance and development, social media (including Facebook and Twitter), message development, and constituent and media relations.
All candidates must be willing to put in a minimum of 10 hours per week through the summer. Each available internship has the possibility to extend through November if the student is interested. Duties are subject to change. Internships are offered on a volunteer basis; no stipend or compensation is available, though course credit may be negotiated through your academic advisor according to the policies put in place by your college or university.
Please send your resume, cover letter including the following requested information, and 2-3 references to: amcdonald@demmerforcongress.com. Deadline for submission is May 28, 2010, and those candidates asked to interview for a position will be notified via e-mail by June 11th.
• Name
• Address (location during the summer/fall)
• Phone Number
• Age/Graduation Year
• College
• Major/Concentration
• Faculty Advisor Name/Contact Information
• G.P.A.
• Post graduation plans
• Why are you interested in a summer internship? (1-2 paragraphs)
• What do you hope to gain from this experience? (1-2 paragraphs)
Thank you for your interest!
Download a PDF version of this announcement.
April 21, 2010
Everywhere I have traveled across the First District, I have heard the frustrations of Minnesotans, and I understand their fears and concerns for the future. The change actually taking place in Washington, D.C., is far different than what they were promised on the campaign trail. The American people have had enough of Tim Walz and his record budget deficits, bailouts, and failed stimulus programs. They are tired of his rubber stamp support for Nancy Pelosi and her extreme liberal agenda. They are ready for real change.
We have momentum on our side, and with your ongoing involvement, we are poised to win this November.
It is my goal to go to Washington and help fight back this unprecedented level of growth and intrusion by our federal government. Look at what is happening in Washington: government takeover of our healthcare system; this "cap and trade" boondoggle that only raises taxes and does nothing to address our energy needs; massive and unsustainable growth in the budget resulting in trillions of dollars of new national debt. Individuals, families, and business owners are rightfully frightened – they know that these policies are dangerous and debilitating for our country.
I am very proud to have recieved the Republican endorsement this past weekend, but it was only a first step in this election. As we continue to increase momentum in our campaign, it is vitally important that we secure the resources we need to get our message out. People need to be reminded that there are alternatives to this big-government mess. We need to promote our message of smaller and fiscally sound government, individual responsibility, and personal freedom - and for that, I need your help.
Please, while you’re viewing my web site, take the time to sign up as a volunteer. There will be countless opportunities to walk in parades, set up lawn signs, make phone calls, and help rally voters behind our cause. You can also make your campaign donation online – your contribution of $250, $100, $50, or even $25 will ensure that my campaign has the resources it needs to not just to compete with Tim Walz, but to win. Early contributions are especially important as they help us properly structure the campaign for success in the coming months.
The people of the First District are demanding real leadership. Tim Walz had his chance, and he chose to give Nancy Pelosi his unconditional and unwavering support. She and other extreme liberals have led us down a dangerous and uncertain path, but with your help, we can win back the First District. We can return our government to the conservative principles embodied in the Constitution. Together, we can usher in a new age of opportunity and prosperity for all Americans.
April 20, 2010
I am proud to receive the endorsement of Governor Tim Pawlenty and the support of his Freedom First PAC. I look forward to working with the Governor and others toward returning common-sense, conservative leadership to our nation's capitol.
Read more about the Freedom First PAC at www.timpawlenty.com, and learn more about other great Republican candidates from around the nation.
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April 17, 2010
(Mankato, MN) Today, Minnesota’s First District Republicans took their first step in unseating Congressman Tim Walz by endorsing farmer and small business owner Representative Randy Demmer. Demmer is serving his 4th term as State Representative for District 29A, having been first elected in 2002. Demmer is a lifetime resident of Hayfield, Minnesota, and spent over 20 years owning and managing a corn and soybean farm, three auto parts stores, and an accounting software and computer consulting business.
“I’m honored that Republicans in the first congressional district have chosen to endorse me in my effort to represent them and return common-sense conservative leadership to Washington. This country is facing some difficult challenges. I look forward to gaining the support from voters throughout the First District, and together, we can set this country back on the right track.”
April 15, 2010
This is shaping up to be a very exciting year for Republicans, but the fact remains that defeating a two-term incumbent is no walk in the park. Victory in November will be contingent upon many factors, but right now, as delegates, the focus must be on selecting the right candidates to fill offices from local state races to Congressional races and through to the Governor’s race at the top of the ticket. Ultimately, delegates are looking for one thing: someone who can win. Whatever one’s qualifications as a candidate, you cannot deliver results if you never actually cast a vote in Congress. To win, that candidate must be committed: committed to his community and the people of the First District; committed to fighting for the conservative values and principles that built this great nation; committed to running an honest and issues-based campaign that we can be proud of; committed to private sector job creation and economic growth; and committed to putting forth the effort and the resources needed to win.
So, who is our best and strongest candidate? Read on to find out...
Which candidate has demonstrated the strongest commitment to service to the people and communities of the First District?
Answer: Randy Demmer.
As a lifelong resident of Hayfield and an active participant in his community, Randy understands the people, the challenges, and the opportunities we have here in Southern Minnesota. Over the years he has served on community boards and task forces, the local Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority, on his church council, and as a school board member. Randy knows that it’s the people – not the government– that make this country great. Every day, Randy works on behalf of his constituents as a State Representative and Assistant Republican House Leader. This experience and commitment to his district and our state is why Randy has the support of other Republican leaders up and down the ticket; leaders that value his service in the Minnesota House, and look to him take that same principled, experienced leadership to Washington.
Which candidate has demonstrated his commitment to standing up for conservative values and finding common-sense, practical solutions to the problems facing our nation?
Answer: Randy Demmer.
It’s one thing to talk about conservative values, and another to actually demonstrate them. Randy is the only candidate in the race with a rock-solid and current voting record on the issues that matter today: opposition to the expansion of government and increased taxes; commitment to the right to life and traditional family values; and a deep-rooted faith in individual responsibility and personal freedom that are enshrined in the Constitution. He has served eight years during good economic times and in bad; with budget surpluses and deficits; in the majority and in the minority; through it all, his votes have been consistent and dependable. We need a candidate who, like Randy, can turn rhetoric into action, who has the perspective and understanding to examine complicated and difficult issues, and support solutions that reflect the conservative ideals and principles upon which this country was built.
Which candidate will run - and has always run – positive issue-based campaigns that help restore the public’s faith in our elected officials?
Answer: Randy Demmer.
Some may see an honest and positive campaign as soft, as not hard-line enough, or as “compromising”, but they are wrong. There are enough Washington-style politicians in Washington already, who think the only way they can win is by tearing others down; that victory can only be achieved by “going negative”. As Minnesotans, we know better, and we deserve better. Unlike other candidates who have resorted to desperate character attacks, Randy Demmer won’t distort motives and misrepresent positions in order to score cheap political points. If you have a question, you’ll get an honest response; a comment or concern, you’ll have an ear to listen; a problem, help to find a solution. Republican candidates are excited about sharing the ticket with Randy, and are enthusiastically supporting him. We have not and will not see any ill-advised comments that become liabilities in the general election nor broadcast in fundraising campaigns from our opponents.
Which candidate has the background and experience to be truly representative of a diverse District of regional centers, small towns, agriculture, small and large businesses, and the job opportunities and economic challenges they represent?
Answer: Randy Demmer.
Randy Demmer has been a business owner and farmer in this district his entire life. As the founder, owner and operator of three successful small businesses, he has made investments in his local communities that have resulted in new jobs and new economic opportunities. He understands what it means to risk your own resources, to worry about payroll and providing jobs for your employees, to live day to day with the risk of failure, and to work hard day in and day out figuring out how to make your businesses and communities better. As a corn and soybean farmer of over 1800 acres, he knows agriculture, both the business and the people. He has developed relationships with and worked hard on behalf of the people that work in our agriculture industry such as crop producers, livestock and dairy farmers, and added value agriculture based innovators and businesses. They are a vital part of the economy and security of our state and nation. Neither our current representation nor other candidates can draw on the same wealth of experience and connections.
Which candidate has shown he is committed to giving his campaign the resources, leadership, and effort needed to unseat a two-term incumbent?
Answer: Randy Demmer.
Three years ago, in a very different and much more challenging electoral environment, Randy Demmer was one of the first to stand up and volunteer to serve his country as a candidate for Congress. He started his campaign not because it was a good year to run, but because he knew then, as we can all see now, that Tim Walz is not the right person to represent this District. As a big-government, big-spending liberal disguised as a moderate, Tim Walz’ unwavering support of Nancy Pelosi’s liberal agenda threatens the success and security of families and businesses across the nation, and they are dragging our nation down an unsustainable and risky path. Now, as the political winds have shifted, more candidates have jumped in. Still,there is no one else in the race – on either side of the aisle – who has the combination of experience, resources, commitment to service, and the rock-solid conservative voting record that Randy does.
This winter and early spring, while honoring his legislative commitments in St. Paul, Randy has been meeting with delegates and contributors to secure the votes and money that he needs to run a strong campaign. And, just as any business owner combines his own time, money, and efforts with those of others, Randy has invested in this cause. He has committed substantial resources to his own campaign to make sure it has the resources and materials to win. With a strong and experienced staff, an aggressive campaign schedule, and a grassroots team already in place across Southern Minnesota, Randy has built the foundation for a strong general election campaign, and is poised to defeat Tim Walz this November.
The choice is clear: we need Randy Demmer as our endorsed candidate – and more importantly, we need him as our next Congressman.
April 15, 2010
I am proud to inform you that former Minnesota Governor and U.S. Congressman Al Quie has announced his support for my campaign for Congress, and submitted the following endorsement letter to the delegates on my behalf:
A Message from former Minnesota Governor Al Quie:
Dear Friends,
I am writing you today to announce my heartfelt endorsement of Representative Randy Demmer in his campaign to be the next U.S. Congressman from Minnesota’s First District. America needs positive, conservative leadership returned to Washington, D.C. I am impressed with Randy and believe he is the best candidate to serve the First District in Congress. He truly deserves the support of Republican Party delegates.
For the past eight years, I have watched Randy serve his constituents during a tumultuous and changing time in our state’s history. He has faced both budget surpluses and two different deficits. He has served in the House both when Republicans were in the majority and now in the minority. His commitment to conservative principles and the needs of his District has been steadfast and unwavering. Randy is the rare politician who doesn’t bend with the political winds, but instead approaches each and every decision with the same criteria in mind – what will best serve the people of my district and the greater good of Minnesota and our nation. Too often, solid long-term decisions are abandoned for short-term political gain. We need more people in elected office, who, like Randy, seek the best solutions – not just the politically expedient ones. His ego will never get in the way of his judgment.
In addition to Randy’s strong conservative voting record and excellent constituent service, he also has the perspective and dedication to achieve real results. Pursuing a partisan political agenda catches all the headlines, but the real heavy lifting is done by dedicated public servants who toil out of the limelight on behalf of their constituents. Randy has been a day in and day out advocate on behalf of education, agriculture, and for private sector economic growth, and he has also had to take some difficult votes in order to protect the state’s fiscal health. This experience in balancing the wants and expectations of constituents with the reality of sticking to a budget and keeping state government living within its means will be invaluable when confronted with exponentially larger problems in Washington.
I know that Randy Demmer will not only be a strong candidate who has demonstrated his ability to bring people together to win elections, but he will be an excellent and effective Congressman on behalf of the residents of the wonderful First District. Give him your strong support. He is the best.
Sincerely,
Governor Al Quie
(A PDF copy of Governor Quie's letter is available here.)
April 13, 2010
As many of you are aware, one of the other candidates in this Congressional campaign, Mr. Quist, has recently and falsely attacked me in a last-ditch effort to discredit my campaign. I cannot and will not let these trumped up and alarmist allegations by Mr. Quist go unanswered. From the day that I announced my intention to run for Congress, and in all of my campaigns for public office, I have sought to run positive and issues-based campaigns. There is no place in our First District Republican politics for these intentional attempts to mislead delegates regarding a candidate’s integrity and honesty. It is indeed sad that someone seeking office at this level would stoop to such tactics.
I have never attempted to disguise the loans I made to my campaign. It has been accurately disclosed in my reports since the money was lent in 2007 and 2008. The fact that I loaned money to my own campaign is not of itself noteworthy; for example, Brian Davis loaned himself nearly twice as much during the last campaign cycle. I, Brian, and other candidates that make such loans are doing so to make sure our campaigns have all the resources needed to be successful in November. Contributors, just as lenders to a business, are encouraged by and may even look for this personal commitment as they contemplate their own investment in the campaign.
Quarterly reports to the Federal Election Commission are regularly updated and changed through an amendment process that is used routinely and frequently by candidates and party organizations from both sides of the aisle. Since 2008 I understand that Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann has made 22 such amendments, and Congressman Walz has made 35. The idea that the Democrats could use this as part of a damaging negative campaign is farfetched and unrealistic.
I hope that this letter, along with my previous statement on this issue (available on my web site and on the FEC’s site) will clear up any uncertainties and expose Mr. Quist’s accusations for what they truly are: desperate attempts to gain your endorsement through misinformation and fear. Minnesotans deserve and expect much more from their elected leaders. If you have any questions regarding this or any other matters, please don’t hesitate to contact me. For my part, I will continue to run a positive, fact-based campaign with the openness and integrity that we would expect from our next Congressman.
Sincerely,
Randy Demmer
April 12, 2010
As you know, we have a very distinguished and highly respected group of Republican state legislators from the First District representing us in St. Paul. It has been a great honor for me to serve with these people, most of whom I have worked with since I was first elected as State Representative 8 years ago. I am humbled to have their enthusiastic support in my campaign to be our next U.S. Congressman.
Local legislators who have expressed support for my campaign include:
Senator Dennis Frederickson, District 21
Rep. Paul Torkelson, District 21B
Rep. Doug Magnus, District 22A
Rep. Rod Hamilton, District 22B
Senator Julie Rosen, District 24
Rep. Bob Gunther, District 24A
Rep. Tony Cornish, District 24B
Senator Mike Parry, District 26
Senator Dave Senjem, District 29
Rep. Greg Davids, District 31B
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April 9, 2010
As the campaign for the Republican endorsement comes down to its final days, I'd like to thank those that have taken the time to meet with me and discuss issues as I seek support for the nomination. It has been great visiting one on one and feeling the excitement of the coming campaign against Mr. Walz.
Recently, a question came up in a few conversations regarding amendments made to my quarterly campaign finance reports posted on the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) Web site. These amendments were filed to correct data transfer problems encountered by my treasurer when we switched over to the FECfile reporting software. FEC staff has been very helpful and responsive as my treasurer has worked to make this transition. The transfer is now complete and any needed corrections have been made. We have filed a more thorough explanation on the FEC website to add clarity to the situation. A copy of this explanation is posted on my web site here. If you have more questions please don't hesitate to give me a call.
What a great opportunity we have! Voters in the First District are frustrated with the endless government expansion and intrusion into our lives that Tim Walz is supporting. We know that our message of personal responsibility, limited government, and fiscally sound budgeting are the right message for these difficult economic times. Now, with the right candidate, we can take back this seat and restore conservative leadership to Washington. I will continue to work hard in a positive manner to earn your support as the Republican nominee to be the next Congressman from Minnesota's First District, and hope I can count on your vote at the District Convention and in November.
Thanks again for your active involvement in this critically important election.
Randy Demmer
April 1, 2010
Check out the additional videos (including the one highlighted below) that we've posted on Randy's YouTube page. Hopefully, they'll help you get to know Randy a little better as he shares his perspectives on the issues facing our nation and why he is the best candidate to take on Tim Walz this November.
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March 31, 2010
Thank you to the more than fifty people who attended my fundraiser in Rochester last night. It was humbling to see so many great supporters turn out and give so generously of their time and resources in support of my campaign. It is because of people like you, along with other donors and volunteers who have signed up online, who have made phone calls, and who have attended local meetings in coffee shops and town halls that I feel confident in gaining the endorsement of my fellow Republicans, and ultimately, becoming your next Congressman.
March 24, 2010
One of the advantages of experience serving in public office is that you can build a record to demonstrate to voters your past commitment to the issues they support, and indicate where your focus will be in the future. Unfortunately, it also provides an opening to your opponents from all sides of the aisle to misrepresent your voting record and provide information out of context in order to create mistrust and confusion among delegates and the voting public.
My record on cap and trade is one of the areas in which I have been recently attacked and misrepresented. I want to be clear: I do not support, nor have I supported in the past, legislation enacting a "cap and trade" system on a national, regional, or even state level. The cap and trade bill that Tim Walz supported at the federal level is NOT energy policy. It is government expansion, more unnecessary bureaucracy, and worst of all, it is a tax increase on every family and every business in Southern Minnesota and in our nation. Man-made climate change simply doesn't make sense, and we shouldn't be spending our tax and energy dollars on yet another government program or placing additional competitive burdens on our businesses and industries to deal with it.
The following are few votes on which I want to provide some background and context, to ensure my record is clear:
- SF 4, which passed 123 to 10: This bill has nothing to do with implementing cap and trade. I and most of my Republican colleagues voted in support of the Governor and in favor of renewable energy standards being implemented. We felt then, as I do now, that we must continue to move towards energy independence using all of the domestic resources at our disposal: drilling for oil in ANWR and off the coasts, utilizing Canadian oil resources, and continuing to develop alternative energy sources such as biofuels, wind, hydrogen, solar, and nuclear. The utilities felt that the bill included a reasonable time frame for implementation and in fact, that they were already on track to meet the standards. All of the groups representing agriculture were strongly in favor, as well.
- SF 145, which passed 92 to 37: I and most of my Republican colleagues voted against this bill because it would have implemented a regional "cap and trade" system. When the Governor stated that he would veto this legislation (and that House Republicans would sustain his veto), the Democrats were forced to back down. The bill was re-written in conference committee and the implementation of "cap and trade" was replaced with a mere study. With the removal of any enacting provisions, the conference committee report was passed 125 to 9. I and most of my Republican colleagues voted in support of the Governor in favor of this amended energy bill, and I am happy we were able to work together and prevent the ill-advised implementation of "cap and trade" here in Minnesota.
- HF 3195, which passed 91 to 38: I and most of my Republican colleagues voted against this bill which called for implementation of a regional "cap and trade" system in cooperation with a study by the Midwest Governor's Association, which called on Minnesota to participate in a regional “cap and trade” system if there were no federal program in place by 2012. A conference committee failed to make the changes that I and my fellow Republicans were looking for, so we voted no on the conference committee report also.
The above examples illustrate my continued opposition to any kind of cap and trade type system being set up in Minnesota, the region, or nationally. I hope that as this campaign moves forward, we can have a full and open debate over this and other issues that are vitally important to the future of our nation. Politically motivated attacks that utterly disregard the facts and prey on the confusion that often surrounds complex legislation are exactly the reason that the American public's confidence in Congress is so low.
Minnesota and our nation deserve real leadership - not more Washington-style politics as usual. I will continue to work hard to gain your support as the next Congressman from Minnesota's First District.
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