Joanne Dorsher - We must maintain and improve our transportation system and commit to adequately funding it. We cannot pass maintenance expenses on to our children and grandchildren by relying heavily on borrowed money. I support mass transit such as Northstar.

Steve Gottwalt - Minnesota needs a safe, adequate transportation system, including safe roads and bridges, cost-effective mass transit and expanded airport capacity. We must also be realistic about what Minnesotans can afford, and make sure funding is equitable.

Joanne Dorsher - About 80% of (the) annual budget is public safety, schools, senior citizens, veterans and transportation. With budget cuts only, we will have to slash (them all). Combine savings and increased revenue to balance the budget and make our tax system fair.

Steve Gottwalt - We cannot tax our way to prosperity! We need to set sound priorities, and live within our means instead of raising taxes. We also need to boost our economy by growing more jobs to help state revenues. Tax increases kill jobs.

Joanne Dorsher - We must continue reforming health care to make it accessible, affordable and appropriate. Sound bites and scare tactics impede progress. I have knowledge and experience needed to bring strongly disagreeing stakeholders together, to create solutions.

Steve Gottwalt - "Universal right" leads directly to a costly and damaging government takeover. We must build on Minnesota's success with patient-centered, market-based reforms, including greater transparency on cost vs. outcomes, and administrative savings.

Joanne Dorsher - Minnesota's schools rely upon good teachers, great students and supportive families. They must evolve to meet challenges of international competition and our economy. My school board experience will help turn these challenges into opportunities.

Steve Gottwalt - The state education system here and across the nation needs a complete overhaul. We must look beyond funding to more broadly address the key factors impacting student achievement, including parental engagement, and focusing on core academic outcomes.