Is MN Forward Going Backwards on Consumers?

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If you live in Minnesota and have been watching TV this campaign season, you've probably seen ads for Tom Emmer, the Republican candidate for Governor.  His campaign had nothing to do with the ad itself.  Instead, it was produced and paid for by a pro-business group called MN Forward.

MN Forward is one of those corporate-funded political organizations that came along in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows such things.  And they are putting their money behind candidates such as Emmer who support their agenda.

Two of the better-known contributors to MN Forward are Target Corporation and Hubbard Broadcasting.  This creates a problem for those who intend to vote for other candidates, and might show their displeasure by not patronizing those companies--at least until after the election.  What are the options?

First, you could stop shopping at Target and switch to Walmart.  But if some of Walmart's business practices and alleged treatment of their employees leave you cold, then you can support your local merchant.  It might cost a little more and the selection might not be the greatest, but at least you're sending a message to those fat cat corporate types who dare to mess with our elections.

Hubbard Broadcasting owns four TV stations in Minnesota (not counting the repeater channels), and three radio stations in the Twin Cities.  You can avoid their newscasts (even though KSTP, Channel 5 has pledged to mention their parent company's financial contribution every time there's a story about Emmer), but try tearing yourself away from such ABC shows as "The Bachelor" or "Dancing With The Stars".

Are you a sports fan?  Then you should know that Target Field is the name of the Twins' new ballpark, and that the NBA Timberwolves play at Target Center.  Hubbard's KSTC (Channel 45) televises the Wolves, the NHL Wild and the high school sports championships, and KSTP-AM (aka 1500 ESPN) is the radio home of the Twins.

All of this points to the danger corporations face as they get more involved in politics.  They risk losing customers and TV viewers if the candidate of their choice clashes with the whims of the electorate.  But, like anything else in business, it's all about the bottom line.

We don't advocate boycotts because they don't hurt corporations all that much.  If you disagree with their politics but like their product, where does that leave you?