Just hours after the DFL-endorsed candidate dropped out of the race, the Republican Party launched an ad against the prevailing DFL candidate Mark Dayton.  The television commercial is called “Erratic” and it concludes “Mark Dayton, too risky for Minnesota.”  Republican Party Chair Tony Sutton said Dayton’s “behavior” is fair game when reporters wondered if the ad was really attacking Dayton’s admitted battles with depression and alcoholism.  We also asked if Republican-endorsed Tom Emmer could be seen as “erratic” by proposing things like castration of sex offenders.  Sutton said “Tom Emmer is a tough leader.”

Republicans also had an ad ready to run against Margaret Anderson Kelliher, but not Matt Entenza (they said with a chuckle).  “We thought Dayton would be the most likely nominee” according to Sutton.  He also added about Dayton “this bored rich guy thing is too risky for Minnesota.”  The commercial will start airing tomorrow statewide on broadcast television to the tune of six figures.  It hits on Dayton’s record in Washington closing his office.  Sutton said “You can’t have a bad day and close the governor’s office.”  Reporters also wondered where Emmer’s big media event with his party was today or even this week.  The answer was that he is out campaigning and they didn’t need a unity rally today.