Here’s where Democrats running for governor stand on guns, legalizing pot, health care and taxes
But state. Rep.
Here's where they stand -- and differ -- on some of the biggest issues of this campaign season:
GUN CONTROL
Murphy, Swanson and Walz all say they support tightening gun regulations to keep Minnesotans safe in the wake of ongoing mass shootings in public places like schools, churches and office buildings.
That means requiring background checks for gun purchases, allowing law enforcement to obtain a court order to seize firearms from people deemed dangerous and studying the impact gun violence has on public health. They also all want better school security and improved access to mental health care.
Murphy, of
"Minnesotans are demanding urgent action on this issue," Murphy said. "It's time to move the NRA out of this debate."
Swanson, of
Walz, who was a strong supporter of gun rights while in
RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA
Attitudes about recreational marijuana have shifted dramatically since 2014 when
Attorney General Swanson disagrees. As the state's top law enforcement official, she's concerned about impaired drivers on the road and police being unable to test for marijuana intoxication.
"Marijuana has gotten increasingly more potent over the years and I have concerns about how that impacts driving," Swanson said. "Until someone can show me or convince me there are ways to deal with the driving issue, it is a concern to me."
All three candidates say they want the state's drug laws to be enforced fairly and not have people of color disproportionately in the legal system for drug offenses. If pot becomes legal, Murphy says non-violent drug offenders should have their sentences commuted.
Walz, of
HEALTH
All three DFLers say they support current Gov.
"People can get discounts of anywhere from 30 (percent) to 80 percent ... just by tapping into the state's purchasing power," Swanson said.
Murphy wants to go a step further and move toward a single-payer health care system.
"It's time for us to lead the nation and guarantee that people who are sick get the care that they need," she said.
All three candidates also support extending the provider tax, which is expected to raise
TAXES AND SPENDING
He's also been criticized by
Erasing budget deficits isn't easy and all three candidates noted their unique experiences working with limited resources. Walz was in
All three candidates haven't ruled out raising taxes, if necessary, to keep the state's budget balanced or to fund new priorities. At the top of the list is finding a permanent source of money to address the state's transportation needs.
"There's a hunger among Minnesotans to have an honest discussion about what you pay for, what you get and what our expectations are," Walz said.
EXPERIENCE + APPROACH = ELECTABILITY?
Outside of specific policy positions, the candidates' biggest differences are their histories and each of them believes those experiences uniquely qualifies them to be a successful governor.
Murphy has been a
Swanson emphasized her negotiating skills as an attorney and noted she's the only DFL candidate to win a statewide campaign.
Walz says his connection to
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