Congressional Candidate Randy Demmer 2010

 

This was the Republican nominee Randy Demmer's website created for his run against Democrat Tim Walz, the incumbent, Independence Party candidate Steven Wilson, and Party Free candidate Lars Johnson. Walz eventually won the general election on November 2, 2010, with 49% of the vote to Demmer's 44%.

I recently heard Randy Demmer's name in connection to his making a bid for a seat on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents while I was in Minneapolis working with my SEO team. We were helping a client recover from some significant Google penalties that had severely impacted their search visibility and organic traffic. During our analysis and remediation planning session, we were discussing typical recovery timeframes - generally 3-6 months for manual penalties once proper fixes are implemented, though algorithmic penalties can sometimes take longer to recover from. During one of our breaks, the conversation shifted to local news, particularly the announcement that Republican House leaders were not interested in delaying the selection of five University of Minnesota Board of Regents. This was notable because Minnetonka DFL Sen. Terri Bonoff, who chaired the Senate higher education committee, had specifically requested Senate leaders delay the regent selection until after a legislative audit of the university's drug trial program was released.

My client knew Demmer. He mentioned that Demmer was one of seven people who had applied for the First District seat. Surprisingly, Demmer was not among the four candidates selected for an interview by the Regent Candidate Advisory Council. My client thought the council's decision not to interview him was in part because he is a former legislator. Maybe there was some political payback going on. The Board of Regents is the governing body of the University of Minnesota and its five campuses, including the University of Minnesota Rochester. As it turned out later, Demmer announced in an interview that he was dropping his campaign for the seat and would not even lobby lawmakers in hopes of getting nominated during the joint legislative convention. Apparently he had jumped in at the last minute because he felt it was important there be at least two candidates for the seat and one of them should be from the Rochester area. When retired Mayo Clinic Dr. Patricia Simmons jumped into the University of Minnesota Board of Regents race, making a run at a third term on the board, Randy's concerns had been addressed and he bowed out.

When I recently I discovered that the domain for DemmerForCongress.com was available, I recognized the name and I bought the site with the goal of recreating some of its content from archived pages. I definitely didn't want someone else purchasing the domain and re-purposing the site for something that had nothing in common with Randy Demmer's original website. The information and positions presented on DemmerForCongress.com may be as relevant today as it was when Randy Demmer was running to become the next congressman from the Minnesota's First Congressional District. Consequently, such information should be lost when the domain expired. You can view this site strictly for its historical context or use the information presented in a useful manner.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PAGE CONTAINS SELECTIVE ARCHIVED CONTENT FROM THE 2010 ORIGINAL SITE.

Consider this site's information for history reference.

"The First District needs a Congressman who believes in fiscal responsibility and limited government and who will set priorities and make the tough choices."

Growth in Government

The growth in government that is occurring under this democratic majority is astounding – not just in terms of spending, which is spiraling out of control, but in how the federal government is extending its reach into the lives – and pocketbooks - of every citizen in this district and in our country. Tim Walz seems to think that Government is the answer to every problem; that government should take our resources and make our decisions for us. Does he not trust Americans to know what is right, or what is in our own best interest?

With Walz’s support, Congressional leadership and the administration are expanding the federal government at breakneck speed. He has advocated for trillions of dollars in new taxes, spending, and debt; encouraged creation of new entitlement programs; and supported unprecedented government intervention in the financial, health care, and energy industries. Left unchecked, the growth in government spending and expansion of entitlement programs will bankrupt our country and drag us all into economic ruin. We need to take control of the federal budget, eliminate wasteful spending, and quit mortgaging our children’s future trying to spend our way back to prosperity.

Government, just like families and businesses, must remember that there is a difference between needs and wants. The First District needs a Congressman who believes in fiscal responsibility and limited government and who will set priorities and make the tough choices.

"The economic engine for our future economic recovery will come from small business and private enterprise, not more government spending and debt."

JOBS

Even with Democrats in Washington claiming that job creation is one of their top priorities, and even after billions of dollars are spent in the name of “stimulus” for the economy, American industries continue to shed jobs. What Congress fails to understand is that they cannot just sit down, write a job description, allocate money, and create jobs. They need to free businesses from burdensome regulations and rethink the tax burdens that are placed on job providers. The economic engine for our future economic recovery will come from small business and private enterprise, not more government spending and debt.

As a small business owner, Randy Demmer understands the basics of job creation in Southern Minnesota. Randy believes that instead of simply spending money on pet projects, Congress needs to focus on ways to encourage existing businesses to expand, rehire laid-off workers and create new opportunities, and to restore business owner and consumer confidence in the economy. Randy also believes that congress needs to pass legislation that creates and fosters a business climate that encourages investment, rewards innovation.

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Campaign News

 

 

 

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About

Randy and his wife Kathy (Kyllo) have been married for 30 years and are both lifelong residents of Hayfield. They have three daughters: Lauren is an attorney, Ann is a kindergarten teacher, and Margeaux is a junior in college.

Randy has been a business owner all his life. After earning his Bachelors of Agricultural Business Administration degree from the University of Minnesota in 1980, Randy started farming. He raised corn and soybeans for 18 years in a family farm operation that grew to 1800 acres. In 1983 he formed a company known as "Computer Edge" that provided computerized recordkeeping and payroll services as well as selling computers and accounting software throughout southeast Minnesota. He sold this business to his employees in 2007. In 1986, he started the NAPA Auto Parts store in Hayfield. After adding stores in Dodge Center and Kasson, he sold all three to an employee in 2007.

Randy is a strong believer in community involvement. He is currently serving his 4th term as State Representative for District 29A, and was elected by his Republican colleagues as Assistant Minority Leader. Prior to his service in the Legislature, Randy served on the Hayfield School Board for 11 years and Hayfield's Economic Development Authority for 10 years. He has also served on a senior housing task force, Dodge County Ice Arena Joint Powers Board, Trinity Lutheran Church Council, and the boards of the Dodge County Corn Growers, Hayfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Hayfield's Lion's Club, and the Rochester Area Library Foundation. Randy coached girls youth basketball for 8 years, and he and his wife Kathy enjoy singing in an a cappella gospel quartet called “Hosanna.”

 

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More Background on DemmerForCongress.com

DemmerForCongress.com served as the official online headquarters for Randy Demmer’s 2010 campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in Minnesota’s First Congressional District. This article explores the website’s historical context, its role in the campaign, media coverage, public reception, and its broader significance in Minnesota and U.S. political culture, drawing exclusively on external sources.

Historical Context and Campaign Background

Randy Demmer, a Republican businessman and state legislator from Hayfield, Minnesota, announced his candidacy for Congress in 2010, challenging Democratic incumbent Tim Walz in a district that covers southern Minnesota. Demmer was known for his advocacy of fiscal conservatism, support for small businesses, and emphasis on limited government. His campaign came at a time when the national political climate was marked by economic uncertainty and debates around the size and role of government, particularly in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and the passage of major federal legislation such as the Affordable Care Act.

Demmer’s campaign was part of a broader Republican effort in the 2010 midterm elections, a cycle that saw significant gains for the GOP nationwide, fueled by concerns over government spending, healthcare reform, and economic recovery. In this context, DemmerForCongress.com functioned as a central platform for communicating Demmer’s policy positions, campaign updates, and calls to action for supporters.

Website Features and Content

While the original site is no longer active, archived versions and contemporary news reports provide insight into its structure and content. DemmerForCongress.com featured:

• Candidate Biography: The website provided detailed information about Demmer’s background as a farmer, small business owner, and state legislator, highlighting his roots in southern Minnesota and his experience in both the private and public sectors.

• Policy Positions: Demmer’s stances on key issues such as fiscal responsibility, healthcare, job creation, and government reform were prominently displayed. He advocated for reducing government spending, repealing or modifying the Affordable Care Act, and fostering a pro-business environment.

• News and Endorsements: The site regularly posted campaign news, press releases, and endorsements from prominent figures and organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

• Volunteer and Donation Tools: Like most modern campaign websites, DemmerForCongress.com enabled supporters to sign up as volunteers, make donations, and receive campaign updates via email.

• Multimedia Content: The campaign used the website to share videos, including television ads and messages from the candidate, as well as photos from the campaign trail.

Media Coverage and Public Reception

Press and Media Coverage

Demmer’s campaign, and by extension his website, received coverage from local and national media. Outlets such as the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio, and The Associated Press reported on the competitive nature of the First District race, Demmer’s policy positions, and his efforts to unseat Tim Walz.

The Star Tribune noted that Demmer’s campaign was “well-organized and well-funded,” pointing to his ability to attract endorsements from business groups and his focus on economic issues. Meanwhile, Minnesota Public Radio highlighted the contrast between Demmer’s calls for reduced government spending and Walz’s support for federal stimulus and healthcare legislation.

Public and Political Reviews

Political analysts described Demmer as a credible and experienced challenger, citing his legislative background and business experience. The Rochester Post-Bulletin editorialized that Demmer “brought a serious, solutions-oriented approach to the campaign,” while some progressive blogs criticized his positions as too conservative for the district.

Polling throughout the campaign showed a competitive race, with Demmer closing the gap in the final weeks, though ultimately Walz retained the seat by a margin of five percentage points.

Audience and Engagement

DemmerForCongress.com was primarily targeted at voters in Minnesota’s First Congressional District, a region that includes cities such as Rochester, Mankato, and Winona. The site also attracted attention from political observers, journalists, and national organizations interested in the outcome of the race.

The website’s design and content reflected best practices for political engagement at the time, with clear calls to action for volunteering, donating, and sharing content on social media platforms. This approach was consistent with the increasing importance of digital outreach in political campaigns during the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Known For: Endorsements and Business Support

One of the distinguishing features of Demmer’s campaign was the breadth of endorsements he received from business and industry groups. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, NFIB, and the Business-Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) all backed Demmer, citing his pro-business record and opposition to what they characterized as excessive government regulation and spending.

These endorsements were prominently featured on DemmerForCongress.com and in campaign advertising, reinforcing his message of economic growth and fiscal restraint. The support from these groups was seen as a key asset in a district with a strong agricultural and small business presence.

Cultural and Social Significance

DemmerForCongress.com is emblematic of a broader shift in American political campaigning toward digital engagement. By 2010, campaign websites had become essential tools for candidates at all levels, providing a platform for direct communication with voters, rapid response to news events, and grassroots organizing.

The site’s focus on fiscal conservatism, business advocacy, and limited government reflected the priorities of a significant segment of the electorate during the 2010 midterms. The campaign’s messaging resonated with voters concerned about federal deficits, healthcare reform, and regulatory expansion, themes that were central to the national political discourse at the time.

Lasting Impact and Legacy

Although Demmer was not successful in unseating Walz, his campaign and website left a mark on Minnesota politics. The 2010 First District race was among the most closely watched in the state, and the strategies employed by both campaigns-including robust digital outreach-set a standard for future races.

The website itself, while no longer active, is preserved in part through web archives and references in news coverage. It serves as a case study in effective campaign communication and the role of digital platforms in modern elections.

Specific Examples and Insights

• Television and Online Ads: Demmer’s campaign used the website to debut television ads that focused on issues such as government spending and healthcare reform. These ads were also circulated on YouTube and social media, amplifying their reach beyond traditional broadcast audiences.

• Grassroots Mobilization: The site enabled supporters to sign up for door-knocking, phone banking, and event hosting, reflecting a bottom-up approach to campaign organization that was increasingly common in the 2010 cycle.

• Debate and Event Information: DemmerForCongress.com provided schedules and recaps of debates between Demmer and Walz, as well as information on town hall meetings and public appearances, fostering transparency and encouraging voter engagement.

• Policy White Papers: The website offered downloadable policy documents outlining Demmer’s positions on key issues, providing voters with detailed information beyond campaign slogans.

Comparative Analysis

DemmerForCongress.com was in line with, and in some ways ahead of, the digital strategies used by other congressional campaigns in 2010, particularly in its emphasis on endorsements and detailed policy content.

 

DemmerForCongress.com stands as a noteworthy example of a modern political campaign website, reflecting the priorities and strategies of Republican candidates during the pivotal 2010 midterm elections. Through its comprehensive presentation of the candidate, focus on fiscal and business issues, and robust engagement tools, the site played a central role in Randy Demmer’s campaign for Congress.

While the campaign ultimately fell short, the website’s structure, content, and approach offer valuable insights into the evolution of digital politics in the United States. Its legacy endures in the continued importance of online platforms for political communication, organizing, and voter outreach.

 

 

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