The precinct caucuses are almost upon us and candidates, myself included, are making our last minute pitches to you to support our campaigns. Over the past two weeks, my volunteers and I have spoken with about 75 percent of last year’s state delegates and leading alternates. I am extremely grateful that an overwhelming majority (an amazing 80 percent) have already committed to supporting my campaign for State Auditor.

You told me you believe my decision to move to the State Auditor’s race was not only wise for me, but also good for our party; that I am the best candidate to carry the conservative message, re-capture the State Auditor’s office, and be the badly needed watchdog and advocate for the taxpayer that has been missing during Democrat control.   I thank you for your confidence and support.  I will not let you down.

These are serious financial times for Minnesota. The State Auditor’s job will be of immense importance over the next several years.  With a $5-plus billion deficit, Minnesota needs a loud and clear voice pushing for reform and fiscal responsibility. The State Auditor has oversight of over $20 billion in local government spending annually. That is more than the entire state general fund budget managed by the Governor and the Legislature.

I was the Taxpayers Watchdog in my first term as State Auditor, and I will be just as relentless in protecting your tax dollars over the next four years. It was the hard work of my staff under my direction that uncovered public pension funds overcharging the City of Minneapolis to the tune of millions of dollars, which has suddenly become a campaign conundrum for the Democrats. You can read about the issue on my campaign website.

No matter who is elected Governor, there must be a credible fiscal check on the Democrats.  As a candidate for State Auditor, I will continue to campaign hard in support of ideas I campaigned on in the fall – tax reform, fiscal responsibility, transparency and limited government. As a top contender for the governor’s nomination before switching races, my presence on the Republican ticket strengthens the entire ticket. Whether I am on that ticket depends in large part on you.  And I will continue to work to earn your support.

In today’s financial climate, every penny really does count, but I will be a State Auditor who does more than look for loose change under the couch. I will be an active State Auditor that uses her office to push for the necessary reforms Minnesota must make to be a competitive and prosperous state. You would expect no less from any candidate you support. And I expect no less from myself.

Thank you for your active support Tuesday night.

Pat

P.S. I want to personally thank former Senators Rod Grams and Norm Coleman for their support of my candidacy.  And a special “thank you” to CD7 Chair Craig Bishop for joining the team a few days ago.  We now have 13 of the 15 CD Chairs and Vice-Chairs on-board!