Horner Launches Campaign With New Vision for Minnesota

Jobs and Spending, Tax Reform Will Be Focus of a Minnesota-First Campaign

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tom Horner today launched his campaign for governor of Minnesota, saying that his more than three decades in Minnesota business, community service and public policy make him uniquely qualified.  Horner, the leading Independence Party candidate, will seek endorsement at the Independence Party's convention May 8 in Bloomington.

"The next four years require a leader who knows what it takes to create jobs and meet a payroll," said Horner, the co-founder of a successful business. "Minnesota needs a governor who knows the value of making smart investments in the future, but one who rejects the notion that every problem needs a government solution and every government program is worth saving.  

"I believe Minnesotans are ready to vote for an independent-thinking candidate, one who focuses on doing what's right, not on who's right."

Horner said his campaign will emphasize job creation, reforming government spending and tax policy and investing in education.

Horner is a native Minnesotan and a graduate of the University of St. Thomas. He served as press secretary and chief of staff to former U.S. Sen. Dave Durenberger from 1978-85. Horner is a co-founder of the highly-regarded public affairs firm, Himle Horner, Inc. He also has been an adjunct professor in the master's degree program at St. Thomas for more than 20 years and serves on several non-profit boards in the arts, social services, environment, civic engagement and other areas.

"Tom can create a common ground where the good ideas from all people and all parties can take root and flourish. He has a gift of creating solutions that work and that's hard to argue with, whether you come from the right or the left," said Durenberger.  Durenberger introduced Horner and endorsed his candidacy at today's news conference launching the campaign.  

With no incumbent in the race and no statewide federal election, 2010 is the year in which the Independence Party can reclaim the governor's office.  Candidates coming from the Legislature start with high negatives. According to a statewide survey published earlier this year, 75 percent of Minnesotans rate the Legislature as "only fair" or "poor." Another independent survey found that leading Democratic and Republican candidates had high negatives and soft support.

Horner starts his campaign with a strong base of Democratic, Republican and independent support. He also has a statewide network of advocates, volunteers and supporters who believe Minnesota needs a leader who will move Minnesota forward. Horner's long-time public affairs analysis on Minnesota Public Radio and in other media gives him strong name recognition among many Minnesotans.  

SOURCE Horner2010