MN MPR News reports that:
"Target's $150,000 contribution to MN Forward has upset gays and lesbians who work for the retailer or shop at its stores. The group paid for an ad supporting gubernatorial candidate Rep. Tom Emmer, a Republican who opposes same sex marriage, but the ad did not address Emmer's stance on the issue."
I was disappointed to see this story. Target has been my primary store for household purchases for some time because I did not like to support Walmart. Are there no progressive stores?
MPR reports that:
"MN Forward says it is nonpartisan and will support both Republican and Democratic candidates who back its agenda of strengthening the economy and creating jobs. However, Emmer is the only candidate the group has supported so far.
The executive director of MN Forward is Gov. Tim Pawlenty's former spokesman, Brian McClung."
And furthermore,
"As of Tuesday, Target was the largest single donor to MN Forward. The group has raised more $1 million from industry trade groups and companies, including Hubbard Broadcasting, Polaris Industries and Best Buy."
NOLA describes Emmer as "a fiery conservative who opposes gay marriage, lauds Arizona's strict approach to illegal immigration, once advocated chemical castration for sex offenders and wants to lower taxes."
For more information:
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/...
http://www.nola.com/...
http://twincities.bizjournals.com/...