Minnesota Ad Puts Target At Center Of Campaign Finance Controversy

Public disclosure of corporate political money was causing controversy in Minnesota. Target -- the high-style discount chain -- helped to pay for a TV ad endorsing a candidate for governor. Word of that is causing the retailer some problems. The ad, which you can see below and online here, gives a full-throated endorsement to Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. "Working to grow jobs. Getting government out of the way. Tom Emmer, the fighter Minnesota needs," the narrator declares. The group behind the ad is called Minnesota Forward. And the main money behind Minnesota Forward comes from seven companies -- $100,000 from each of them. Target is on that donor list. It also gave Minnesota Forward $50,000 worth of help with branding. The consultant behind Minnesota Forward is Brian McClung. He says that the group was made possible by the Supreme Court decision to allow corporate political spending. And, says McClung, companies weigh their priorities when they give money for ads such as that aired by Minnesota Forward.