House leaders to meet in a dozen debates

The Associated Press

      ST. PAUL The Republican and DFL leaders of the House agreed Thursday to a dozen one-hour debates around the state between now and election day.

      Minority Leader Matt Entenza, DFL-St. Paul, challenged Rep. Steve Sviggum, a Kenyon Republican, to 10 debates. Sviggum agreed to all ten, Minnesota State Fair, followed by Northfield, St. Cloud, Duluth, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Worthington, Moorhead, Mankato and Rochester.

      And he suggested two more: Willmar and Brainerd.

      Entenza welcomed the addition.

      "It's only fair that Minnesota voters get a chance to compare our two visions head-to-head and judge for themselves which party can best make those visions a reality," Entenza said.

      Said Sviggum, "I wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity. These debates will help make clear to all Minnesotans the differences between the respective principles and visions of House Republicans and House Democrats."

      All 134 House members are up for election this year. Republicans control the House 79-52. The two sides have yet to come up with a schedule for the debates.