DFL assails GOP endorsed candidates for secretary of state and attorney general

Attorney General candidate Chris Barden and Secretary of State candidate Dan Severson tonight were endorsed without opposition at the GOP state convention in Minneapolis.

But the state DFL party had plenty to say against both candidates.

DFL Chairman Brian Melendez criticized accusations that Severson has made about incumbent Secretary of State Mark Ritchie’s handling of the 2008 recount of the election between Norm Coleman and Al Franken.

“Minnesotans deserve a secretary of state who cares about maintaining our fair and secure election system and who will work to make sure that all eligible voters can cast their ballots. Dan Severson is not that person. Severson evidently cares a great deal about flinging baseless accusations in a vain quest to rewrite the history of the 2008 recount, but cares very little about maintaining the fair and transparent processes that made that recount a success.”

Melendez said that Barden, who is a psychologist and attorney, lacks experience trying cases in court.

“The law is evidently the latest in a series of professions that Dr. Barden has decided to try on for size. The people of Minnesota deserve an attorney general who actually wants the job and is qualified to do it. Earning a living as a paid witness is hardly relevant background for Minnesota ‘s chief legal officer.”

Both offices are currently held by DFLers.