Sullivan stops in New Ulm

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Brian Sullivan, Republican candidate for governor, took his campaign into southwest Minnesota Friday, stopping first at DJ's Restaurant in New Ulm to introduce himself to area voters.

After greeting breakfast-hour diners, Sullivan, who was co-founder, chairman and CEO of Recovery Engineering, Inc., maker of PUR water filters from 1986-1999, sat down with The Journal, and later a farmer from north of Sleepy Eye and a 3M employee from New Ulm, in DJ's back room to discuss his campaign and answer questions.

"I feel I'm the best candidate to take the governor out this fall because I'm an 'outsider,' too," Sullivan said. "The history in Minnesota is that outsiders have been the ones who can win."

It was a reference to his only announced Republican opposition, House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty of Eagan.

"I see it as remaining a 'two-horse' race (for GOP endorsement)," Sullivan said. "I don't see anyone in the wings preparing to step in at the last minute."

The farmer, Greg Bartz, asked if Sullivan would continue if he didn't get the endorsement.

"I'm confident that I will get the party's endorsement, but if I don't, I'll abide by the party's wishes," Sullivan said. Pawlenty has made the same pledge.

Sullivan also gave his support to the House's approach to solving the budget deficit crisis and pledged to be rural Minnesota's "best friend" if he is elected governor.

He also pledged his support for biodiesel production and other value-added proposals, calling them the best way of helping farmers stay on the farm.

"The best way to help rural development is to make the state more 'business friendly,'" Sullivan explained. "With our present tax structure, we're not only losing Minnesota business to other states but are keeping out-of-state businesses from moving here."

As more industry and business develops in Minnesota, the more the rural areas will benefit with creation of jobs.

When asked if he has picked his lieutenant governor candidate, Sullivan said he has a "short list" but wouldn't be announcing his selection for a while yet.

Bob Schirlinger asked how Sullivan stood on abortion.

"I'm pro-life," Sullivan answered.

After Sullivan had left for campaign stops in Fairmont, Worthington and points in between, Schirlinger ventured, "He seems sincere and seems capable of working with the Legislature and with us people."