Former GOP Rep. Erhardt is exploring DFL bid for House

“I’m looking to run. I raised money earlier in the year,” said Erhardt today in a telephone interview with PIM.

Erhardt, a moderate, spent nine terms in the House. When Republicans controlled the House, he was chairman of the Transportation policy committee. In February 2008, Erhardt and five other House Republicans joined all DFLers to override Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s veto of a transportation bill that included a gas tax increase.

In the revolt that ensued, Republicans in District 41A endorsed the more conservative Keith Downey. Erhardt ran as an independent and DFLers endorsed Kevin Staunton. Downey won with 37 percent of the vote. Erhardt received 32 percent and Staunton received 31 percent.

A rematch in 2010 is in the making.

Staunton plans to run for the House again, according to his campaign website.

Erhardt said Staunton and Downey are polar opposites on issues of tax increases and spending cuts. He said he fits in the middle.

“I say most people want some tax and a lot of cuts,” Erhardt said.

Erhardt said it appears his chances of winning are strongest by running as a Democrat.

“I’m exploring the possibility to run as a Democrat. If that doesn’t work I’ll run as an independent,” Erhardt said.

Erhardt in 2008 aggressively sought campaign contributions that were eligible for the state’s political contribution refund (PCR) program.

Erhardt received a little more than $30,000 in PCR contributions, which is a staggering amount for a legislative candidate, according to a list published today by the state Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. In the PCR program, contributors receive a refund on their income taxes if the candidate abides by state spending limits. Neither Downey nor Staunton in 2008 abided by the spending limits.

The PCR program, however, won’t be around in 2010 for state legislative candidates. Earlier this year, Pawlenty eliminated the program for the 2010-2011 budget period as part of his budget cutting unallotments.