State Fair Politics: Fun With A Serious Message

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Politicians spending time at the State Fair is probably as old as the fair itself. But unlike during the rest of the political campaign season, politicking at the fair comes with a decidedly light-hearted tone.

The DFL's have a bean bag game poking fun at Republican Gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer's "missed votes." The Republicans showed of new t-shirts for their video trackers mocking Mark Dayton. Independent candidate Tom Horner’s has an ad that takes place in the men’s room with the words: "too far right, too far left’not good in here, not good in the governor’s office."

The State Fair is the place where even folks in the serious business of politics can cut loose, like Jake Loesch with the Republican Party of Minnesota.

"It’s pretty light-hearted here at the fair. It’s been really great,’ said Loesch. ’A lot of people come and we can just hang out and chat.’

The buttons and stuffed animals and games are political staples at the state fair -- friendly, colorful ways to deliver a message the parties hope translate into votes in November.

Horner has probably logged more hours at the fair than his better-known opponents Emmer and Dayton.