Governor's race expected to be most expensive in state history
With roughly two dozen candidates in the race and two candidates with millions of their own money to spend, the race for governor is expected to be the most expensive in the state's history. Combined, the campaigns for governor collected more than $2.6 million in 2009.
For a more details about each candidate's finances, visit Polinaut.
Many of the candidates were scrambling to file their reports and mobilize their supporters to attend Tuesday night's precinct caucuses. That's the first step in the process for the candidates who hope to win their party's endorsement.
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Democrat Mark Dayton loaned his campaign for governor $570,000 in 2009, more than any other candidate raised last year. Dayton, who spent $12 million of his own money during his successful U.S. Senate campaign in 2000, said in a news release that his finance report shows that his priority in 2009 was not fundraising.
"I am uniquely fortunate in not having to do it," Dayton said.
Dayton reported raising about $72,000 from individuals, lobbyists and political committees. He spent $625,000 during the year. His report shows that he had 21 staffers on his payroll and has $16,772 left in the bank.
The other top fundraisers in 2009 include Republican Marty Seifert and Democrats Matt Entenza, Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Paul Thissen. Democrat Tom Bakk reported the most money left in his bank account at the start of the year with nearly $137,000 cash on hand.
Republican Tom Emmer didn't make his reports available for inspection.