GOP Gov. Debate Turns On Ideal Vs. Practical

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The candidates pursuing the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor are divided over whose vision for the state would be achievable while presiding over a government split between parties.

The notion of what is ideal versus what is practical to promise voters was an undercurrent of Wednesday's four-way debate on Minnesota Public Radio. Their primary is less than two weeks out.

First-time candidate Scott Honour says he wouldn't shy from pushing a boldly conservative agenda while criticizing Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson as having a "defeatist attitude."

Johnson responded that it's better to be honest with people about what's possible for a Republican governor given that Democrats will lead the state Senate for the foreseeable future.

The other candidates, Marty Seifert and Kurt Zellers, tussled over whose legislative record was superior.