Posted at: 10/26/2012 7:44 PM
Updated at: 10/26/2012 7:45 PM
By: Steph Crock
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Email to a FriendElection Looming, Politicians Head to Southern MN
(ABC 6 News) -- We're only 11 days away from the election and candidates across the nation are scrambling to reach those undecided voters.
You've seen it more and more, new political ads on TV and a growing number of yard signs. At this point in the game, you'll even find the candidates going door-to-door. We caught up with the MN State Auditor and The Speaker of the House. They traveled through our area trying to rally support for their parties.
They've all gotten their name out there, but at this point in the game, it's time to hit the road.
"We're getting out and talking to folks around the state about why people have got to vote, everyone has got to vote in this presidential election season," said Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto, who is a Democrat.
"Now it’s about making sure that not only you ask for the vote, but be sure to get folks to the polls on November 6th," said Republican House Speaker Kurt Zellers.
For those undecided voters, just a friendly greeting can seal the deal. "I got the gentleman at home he said, 'I had a question I’m glad you stopped by, now that I know the answer, I'm going to be supporting you,'" said Zellers about a time they went door-to-door while out campaigning in St Cloud. That's what brings some politicians to southern Minnesota, in this case, Albert Lea. "Everybody in the House, and because of redistricting, everyone is up in the Senate too," said Zellers.
They are here rallying for the candidates, or incumbents, within their individual parties. "About 42 stops around the state. All over the state, north, south, east, west, and central," said Otto.
That's because voting locally affects the whole state. At the moment, the Republican party controls both the House and Senate, needless to say they want to keep it that way. “That's what we've done the last two years and that’s what we'll continue to do, balance that budget, reform government, and focus on education quality," said Zellers.
Democrats, meanwhile, would like to regain at least some measure of control. "You might say, 'here's where we want to get, and you might take different roads to the place you want to get to, but there was really not even that willingness to have that conversation, and I saw it first hand," said Otto.
That drive is only going to get stronger as we get closer and closer to November 6th. "I care deeply about this state. I care deeply, deeply about this county," said Otto.
Both Otto and Zellers were only in Albert Lea for a quick stop, then they hit the road. Many local representatives were also out today, doing the same thing.
