I see by the paper that Rep. Doug Magnus is troubled that area members of the Democratic Farmer Labor bunch have accused him of violating allowable campaign practices. The DFL’ers pointed out that Mr. Magnus made a campaign mailing that did not identify the author of the mailed material. The charge has the potential for a $1,000 fine, and other penalties. The representative went on to say that he admits the error, and explains it was a single mailing and the matter was an oversight and pretty small potatoes as elections go. He brushes off the charges as simply political in nature. Magnus’ explanation deserves to be heard, and, while his accounting for the incident is believable his conclusion is everlastingly wrong. As the author of the mailing, Magnus is responsible for observance of the rules governing campaigning in Minnesota, and how is one mailing different from two, three or even four.The candidate’s clarifications are factual, and easily understood for that matter. What is missing appears to be a basic appreciation for the requirements of the democratic process. There is no recognition that politics is nothing more than government, and elections are a vital part of government. Mr. Magnus should be satisfied that the accusation is "political" in nature because it would be personal if it were not. The individuals who brought the charges have only acted on a matter based in law. Due to the serious nature of elections it is fair to say they performed as responsible and dedicated members of a loyal opposition. Election complainants have a place in the workings of government, and the complaints performed it properly in this instance. There is no need to wear a long face over this, Mr. Magnus. The complaint has received wide media coverage in the four counties comprising District 22. In each instance they have spelled your name right and reassured the public that the matter is minor in nature. No potential fine would cover this amount of publicity. Surely this isn’t Mr. Magnus’ first exposure to the two party system is it?Dennis LoosePipestone
