The Capitol Note: Campaign ads on statewide races have begun

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1) Campaign ads for the governor’s office, Congress and the Senate have begun in earnest in advance of the 2014 midterms, and they’re likely to continue for the rest of the races, according to the Star Tribune.

Former Republican House Rep. Marty Seifert, who is still competing against a field of GOP contenders to take on Gov. Mark Dayton, will start running ads this week. Dayton Campaign Manager Katharine Tinucci said it’s not time yet for the governor to run ads.

U.S. Sen. Al Franken, who also faced a tough first election, started a potentially six-figure ad buy across the state this week. Businessman Mike McFadden, who is facing off against Franken, has bought cable ads. State Sen. Julianne Ortman, another challenger, is on the radio. 

2) A measure aiming to reduce heroin overdoses by providing greater access to an antidote and loosening legal restrictions in the case of an emergency is on its way to Gov. Mark Dayton’s desk, the Star Tribune reports.

The bill, which passed unanimously from both chambers, would expand the breadth of public safety officials who carry Narcan, a drug used to reverse heroin overdoses. It also provides immunity to a user who calls 911 during an overdose.

“I look forward to that first phone call from our firefighters and first responders saying ‘Dan, we saved one.’” Rep. Dan Schoen, a Democrat who sponsored the bill, said. “Somebody’s kid is gonna be there for one more day.’”

3) The state House passed a measure to tackle inequality among genders when it comes to work, but its future in the Senate is unclear, Minnesota Public Radio reports.

The meat of the proposal attempts to improve working conditions for women in relation to men. The plan requires additional benefits for men and women who have children, and also adds requirements under state contracts. The bill received broad bipartisan support in the House, where it passed 104 to 24. “This is really just trying to address that all women, no matter where they work, should have those kinds of protections,” Rep. Carly Melin, the bill’s House sponsor, said.

But gaining Senate support, even among Democrats, could be difficult. Sen. Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka, said she wants changes to the bill back in conference committee. She’s afraid that requirements that companies pay men and women equally across expansive categories could have unintended consequences. “They say it’s according to job duties, but how are you going to decide what’s fair and not fair?” Bonoff said. “My view is that it’s not our business. Each company will view each category based on their mission”.

COMINGS & GOINGS

• Proponents of new federal legislation to allow for refinancing of some student loans will hold a noon rally at the University of Minnesota’s Coffman Union building today. The event is organized by Progressive Change Campaign Committee; DFL U.S. Sen. Al Franken is among the cosponsors on the student loan bill.
• Metro Republican Women has a breakfast meeting with columnist and conservative advocate Katherine Kersten at the Mendakota Country Club this Saturday. The breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m., and comes with a cost of $18 for members or $20 for guests. Email [email protected] for more information or to RSVP.
• The Arc Greater Twin Cities, the local chapter of a leading advocacy group for people with disabilities, is hiring for a public policy intern position. The position calls for 14 hours per week, and comes with a $3,000 stipend; current graduate students preferred. The job starts June 2014 and runs for one year. Cover letter and resume to Michelle Theisen at [email protected].
• The Senate District 42 DFL is holding its annual “pints and politics” event in Shoreview on May 18. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., and will be held at the Holiday Inn & Green Mill.
• Flaherty & Hood lobbyist Dan Dorman has added three clients to his stable, and will now advocate for the cities of Rochester and Mankato, as well as the Spirit Mountain Recreational Authority.
• NARAL Pro Choice is hiring field canvassers to contribute to that organization’s fundraising and membership campaigns. The position is full-time and comes with a $10 per hour salary, with chances to earn bonuses. Send resume to Candice Johnson at [email protected].