Thursday, September 26, 2002

A story published today by the Star Tribune reports that Minnesota's four major-party gubernatorial candidates ventured onto some new turf during a debate Wednesday night, fielding questions on same-sex marriage and other issues.

On same-sex marriage, Ken Pentel of the Green Party said he supports the idea. However, Tim Penny of the Independence Party and Moe said they would support civil commitment ceremonies for same-sex couples.

"This legal status ought to be recognized for all committed couples," Penny said.

Republican Tim Pawlenty didn't mention the civil ceremony option, simply saying, "I believe opposite-sex marriage is the cornerstone of society."

All four candidates also agreed that affordable housing is a critical issue in Minnesota.

Tim Pawlenty urged more tax incentives to build affordable housing, and Penny talkesd about developing public-private partnerships.

Pentel said he would want to create a housing trust fund and more rehabilitation programs. And Moe mentioned various measures, including zoning changes to allow more lower-cost housing to be built.

The candidates were also asked what mistakes they think Gov. Jesse Ventura has made during his administration. That prompted some grins.

Ventura "wasted his power on celebritydom," Pentel said.

"I applaud Ventura for his boldness, but after the lights go out at the press conference, you've got to do the work," Pawlenty said.