I respect Peggy Bennett and her service as a state representative. After I was endorsed in March, Peggy and I spoke on the phone and we pledged to each other that we would conduct positive campaigns in our quest to seek the 27A House seat. With only two weeks remaining in the campaign, we both have honored that pledge. She did warn me that outside groups would be spending money that would attack her and that would attack me. That is a warning that has been proven to be true.

I renounce the negative attacks that have taken place against Peggy, but I do feel the need to address the attacks made against me. If you have read any articles, candidate profiles or have attended or viewed any of the candidate forums, you will quickly learn that I am a moderate candidate. I am well informed on many issues facing the state and our region, and I have offered solutions to the challenges we face. The attack mailings and TV ads suggest, in not so subtle of terms, that I am a “liberal politician” that supports “wasteful spending” and in some way I am responsible for the new Senate Office Building or MNsure. View the forums and you will find that I have articulated a number of MNsure reforms, and I have not supported the spending on the office building.

The attacks speak to my “liberal Minneapolis pals.” The only “pals” that I have are the people of south central Minnesota. If you examine the endorsements that I have received, my “pals” include electricians, carpenters, farmers, teachers and labor.

I am looking forward to the rest of the campaign. I am energized every time I meet the residents of this region. They are hardworking folks that are proud of their communities, families and their state. Join me in rejecting negative politics.

Gary Schindler

Albert Lea