GOP to use gas stations to target their message

Gas sales down
Minn. Republicans plan to use digital displays at area gas stations to target political messages in DFL districts they hope to pick up in the coming election.
MPR Photo/Annie Baxter

Republicans legislators say their campaign to gain seats in the Minnesota House will target gas stations in the coming weeks.

The House GOP caucus plans to buy advertising at locations with gas pump video monitors. The message will criticize Democrats for supporting a transportation funding plan that raises Minnesota's gas tax.

House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, said the ads will be customized for DFL representatives his party hopes to defeat in November.

"We're going right to the people who are torqued off. So, we're doing 15 second ads at whatever gas station has these video monitors. Everything I'm hearing from people is that this is moving to be one of the top issues of outrage," Seifert said. "And since the Democrats are so proud they raised gas taxes by 42 percent, we just want to make sure everyone filling their pump up knows."

House DFL leaders blame the oil companies for the sharp increase in pump prices.

DFL leaders note the state gas tax increase will pay for road and bridge improvements throughout Minnesota.