Dear Friends,

Since the 2008 election, I’ve been amazed at the epidemic of unchecked spending that has seized the Democrats both in St. Paul and Washington, DC.  Even worse than the out-of-control spending and endless debt accumulation is the damage I fear these new government programs will do to our American work ethic.

Simply put:  If government will subsidize new cars, houses and healthcare for all, why should anyone bother working to earn things the old fashioned way? Republicans have always understood the difference between a hand-up and a hand-out… and why that distinction is so important.

You’ve worked hard to take care of your family and saved to purchase a car and buy a home without government subsidies.  If you’re anything like me, you’re frustrated by the nightly news reports that your tax dollars are being used to reward the less responsible.

Common sense in government is not a common thing… especially when there is overwhelming pressure for politicians to say yes to everything these days: Time and time again during the legislative session earlier this year, Senate Republicans stood up to the liberal Democrat majority - and against the tide of popular politics - to reject big government spending we can’t afford and multi billion-dollar tax increases.

As the Republican Leader serving in the minority, I clearly understand how much power the majority party has to affect you and your family.  From the taxes you pay, to your property rights, to what your children will be taught in school, there is a lot at stake at the state level. 

I think a rare moment of opportunity is approaching.  Hard working Minnesotans are fed up with government bailouts and freebies and they’re looking for leaders who share their outrage.

We have worked tirelessly this summer and fall recruiting solid, electable candidates. They are talented business people who are so concerned with the direction of our state that they personally want to do something about it.

Minnesota is truly reaching a tipping point. And the 2010 elections - now just over 2 months away - will determine if we are going to be a state of innovation or if are we going to become an entitlement state.

Please, join me in supporting our fight to end this era of government excess and to protect our savings, our retirement, our jobs and our children’s future.

Sincerely,

Sen. David Senjem
Republican Leader