After the Republican State Convention straw poll, I only got one press release from a candidate in my email box. It was from poll winner Marty Seifert. It shows the organization that probably propelled him to the top spot. We should see some of the lower finishers drop in the near future, but you never know. The GOP's release listed first choice vote results "Marty Seifert finished first followed by Tom Emmer, Pat Anderson, David Hann, Paul Kohls and Phil Herwig. Mike Jungbauer, Bill Haas and Leslie Davis tied for the final spot."
Seifert's campaign release went as follows:
Seifert: “Very Humbled by Support"
ST PAUL – Marty Seifert finished first out of nine candidates with 37% at the Republican Party of Minnesota gubernatorial straw poll held today in St. Paul.
“I am very humbled by the support I received today,” said Seifert. “I want to thank all my opponents in this race for their effort and contributions to the Republican Party. I truly believe that Republicans have an embarrassment of riches in this race.”
During his speech, Seifert was accompanied on stage by a large contingent of supporters from across Minnesota.
“It is clear to me that Republicans in Minnesota are looking for leadership,” said Seifert for Governor Campaign Chair Jim Knoblach. “Today Marty was the top vote getter in both the Metro and Greater Minnesota congressional districts, showing that he is ready to take his message to every corner of Minnesota to win this race.”
“Tomorrow, the campaign will go back to aggressively building a grass-roots organization that has statewide reach,” commented Seifert. “My campaign will continue recruiting local volunteers and donors to help spread the message we shared today.”
Pat Anderson had a quick note and photo on Facebook "Pat Anderson Convention was fantastic. Thank you for all your support! We are off and running!"
Tom Emmer For Governor page on Facebook (with really outdated photo) reads "Tom Emmer for Governor is humbled and energized by Saturday's straw poll results at the RPM State Convention, which appeared to narrow the field into a two person race. Nearly 40% of the delegates cast a vote for Tom after less than three months of campaigning, demon...strating that Minnesotans are eager to restore prosperity and hope to our state. Thank you for your encouragement and support."
The MN DFL was paying attention and had a ready response:
“The Republican straw poll was an interesting exercise that didn't change by one iota the basic challenge that all the Republican candidates must face: that every one of them have supported Governor Pawlenty's disastrous governing style, which has plunged our state toward a $7 billion budget deficit. They have been loyal soldiers in the Republican assault on Minnesota—ballooning the state’s budget deficit, kicking Minnesotans off health care and reducing aid to our local communities. Luckily Minnesotans will have an easier choice next year—Tim Pawlenty-light or a DFL candidate who represents leadership, courage and responsibility.”