At a Republican rally this morning in Rochester featuring Gov. Tim Pawlenty and gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer, GOPers warned supporters against being lulled into a false sense of security. 1st District Republican candidate Randy Demmer addressed the crowd of more than 60 cheering supporters gathered at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center and said even though there is the expectation of a wave of Republican wins it is still important to get out and vote.
"Don't pay attention to what they say about the wave. Go out and make it happen," he said.
The usually mild-mannered Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem of Rochester was also fired up this morning telling supporters that this area is key when it comes to the governor's race.
"As I often say, the road to the corner office is through Olmsted County and we're going to do it for (Emmer), just as we did for our existing governor," Senjem said.
Recent polls have shown Emmer lagging in greater Minnesota . In 2006, Pawlenty did very well in Olmsted County winning nearly 55 percent of the vote and many credit that as being key in his victory. On Monday, the governor made the case why southeast Minnesota residents should back Emmer.
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"Tom Emmer understands the strategic importance of southeastern Minnesota to the rest of the state," Pawlenty said. "He understands that if southeastern Minnesota — one of the great growth engines including Rochester — does not prosper going forward that is going to be a problem for the whole state."
DFLers will also be busy hitting the campaign trail in southeast Minnesota looking to woo voters. Gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton will attend a rally at an Altura dairy farm.
