Dayton Stresses Gains, GOP Sows Competency Doubts

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Starkly different messages are coloring the final week of Minnesota's race for governor.

Democratic incumbent Mark Dayton released his closing campaign commercial that touts economic gains and proclaims "Minnesota is rising." He was headed to the Iron Range later Tuesday for a party rally.

Meanwhile, Republican Party chairman Keith Downey challenged Dayton's competence by highlighting seven things he says the governor has bungled, from new taxes later rescinded to a buggy health insurance exchange. It dovetails with a hard-hitting TV ad the party is airing.

Dayton spokesman Linden Zakula calls the incompetence theme "more desperate attacks" and says it shows the other side lacks a positive vision for the state.

Republican nominee Jeff Johnson had no public events Monday or Tuesday, but he plans a barnstorming tour beginning Wednesday.