Commentary; Posted: 8/4/04

In backing Otto, Carlson didnít do homework

Rep. Steve Sviggum
Guest Columnist

In a recent commentary published by this newspaper, former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson wrote at length about our vaunted quality of life and the virtues which have made Minnesota one of the best places in the nation to live, work and raise a family.

Unfortunately, true to form, Carlson then lapsed into his frequent mantra of describing what he sees as the decline in Minnesotaís quality of life since he left office. He then went on to declare that, if House District 52B residents just vote for Democrat Rebecca Otto, all of Minnesotaís problems will be solved.

Needless to say, I disagree completely with the former governor, who was elected as a Republican but now calls himself an independent who publicly supports liberal Democrats.

Let me state at the outset that Carlson has every right to endorse candidates of his choosing. But if he had followed his own advice ìto exercise, at all times, good judgment,î Carlson might have taken the time to meet Ottoís Republican opponent, Matt Dean.

Not once has Carlson ever made an attempt to meet Dean. Not once has Carlson ever asked Dean about his position on an issue. And not once has Carlson taken the time to fairly compare Dean and Otto.

To me, that shows a serious lack of judgment on the part of the former governor.

Even more surprising was Carlsonís statement that the reason heís supporting Otto is because of the ìnastinessî that took place two years ago.

If Carlson had truly done his homework, surely he would have known that it was Ottoís campaign that was indicted by the Washington County Attorney for illegally distributing false campaign material.

Though the case against Otto and her liberal-activist husband Shawn was ó in my opinion óerroneously dismissed on a non-applicable technicality, it was not before the truth about Ottoís disgusting campaign tactics were made known to the public.

The former governor must not have known about Shawn Otto creating an attack literature piece in which he falsely accused Dean of ìputting his children in private schoolî when, in fact, both of Dean's children attend public school.

Carlson also must not have seen the negative literature piece mailed out on behalf of Otto in which Deanís face was painted green and his teeth made to look crooked.

If he did know about this ìnastinessî that the Otto campaign practiced two years ago and he still decided to support Otto, then Carlson isnít the same man I worked with for eight years at the Capitol.

I know Matt Dean, and I can tell you that he is exactly the kind of person we need in the Minnesota Legislature.

Matt embodies the principles of hard work, respect, concern and compassion for others that the residents of House District 52B deserve to have working on their behalf in St. Paul.

And, I can tell you that ó unlike Rep. Otto óDean will continue to run a campaign based on civility and decency.

Indeed, the race for state representative between Dean and Otto offers voters a clear choice between two very different people, political philosophies and campaign styles.

Thankfully, the residents of House District 52B ó not angry former governors seeking the limelight of years past ó will be making the decision on Nov. 2nd.

Rep. Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, is speaker of the Minnesota House. Sviggum was Carlsonís top legislative ally during his eight years as governor, and he delivered Carlson's nomination speech at the 1994 Minnesota Republican Party Convention.

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