Tea Party questionnaire highlights differences between Demmer, Quist

UPDATE:

As noted in the comments below, a couple of candidates decided to post their answers to the Rochester Tea Party Patriots questionnaire on their own Web site. I'm not sure what the deadline was for answers to be submitted, but GOP candidate Jim Engstrand tole me he was still on active duty when it was due and could not turn it in by the deadline. To view Jim Engstrand's answers, go here. For Independence Party candidate Steve Wilson, go here.

The Rochester Tea Party Patriots have posted on their Web site questionnaires filled out by candidates running for the 1st Congressional District and for governor. It is interesting to note that when it comes to the congressional race, only two candidates responded — Rep. Randy Demmer of Hayfield and former state Rep. Allen Quist of St. Peter. You can view these questionnaires by clicking here. There are three other GOP candidates running: Jim Engstrand,  Jim Hagedorn and Frank McKinzie. Also running for Democratic Congressman Tim Walz's seat are Independence Party candidate Steve Wilson and an independent candidate with no party affiliation Lars Johnson.

It is interesting to look at where Quist and Demmer differ on the issues. For instance, Demmer said he supported the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 passed under President Bush whereas Quist opposed the measure. The $168 billion bill provided tax rebates of $600 to $1,200 to most taxpayers.

They also disagree on whether or not the U.S. should pull out of the United Nations. Demmer says "no" and Quist says "yes." Demmer does not agree with eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and Quist backs the idea. They both say they do not agree that global warming is man made.

When it comes to the gubernatorial candidate, no DFLers responded. The two GOP front runners Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert did fill out the form. Also filling it out was Republican candidate Phil Herwig, Independence Party candidate Joe Repya (who ended his campaign) and Constitution Party candidate Harley Swarm.

Comments

[Sally Jo Sorensen]

A little more digging, and readers could read the responses from two more candidates running in the First.

Republican Jim Engstrand has posted his answers to the questionnaire on his Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=355000004765&topic=14980

Independence Party candidate Steve Wilson posted a pdf of his answers on his web site:

http://stevenwilson.org/images/questions.pdf

Hope that helps!