AG Doesn’t Mean “Almost Governor”

By Bill Bedor

Punctuating this talk before the February Full Committee Meeting dinner with the phrase, “AG doesn’t stand for almost governor,” State Representative Jeff Johnson (R-43A) outlined his upcoming run for Attorney General. In addition, he spent time discussing the problems associated with eminent domain and how legislation he is sponsoring in St. Paul is designed to alleviate those problems.

As chief author of the bill on eminent domain, Jeff points out that the Supreme Court of the United States, in a 5-4 decision of Kelo Vs New London, held that the local government could seize property under eminent domain to further economic development. In essence, the court changed, what used to be “public use” of property under eminent domain to “public benefit.” This significantly increases the power of the government to take private property and transfer it to another private citizen for their use.
In writing his opinion, Justice Stevens stated that if public officials do not like the ruling of the court, they should, “change the law.” 

Rep. Johnson pointed out that this is truly a problem that needs to be fixed. In his legislation, four issues are addressed:

1. A citizen’s attorney’s fees would be paid by the government, if the government loses any court battle over its right to take property under eminent domain.
2. The “Going Concern” principle must be adhered to in seizing business property. The true value of the business must be paid to the owner, not just the value of the real estate.
3. Seizure of property could not occur unless it can be proven that there is something significantly wrong with the property.
4. The “Burden of Proof” falls on the government to show that the property will be for public use.

Jeff predicted “World War III” in St. Paul over this issue, as victims battle government agencies while attempting to influence legislators. The Governor supports the bill, which Rep. Johnson predicts will pass by mid April.

Discussing his bid to replace Mike Hatch as Minnesota’s Attorney General, Jeff states, “it’s time for a dramatic change in attitude.” He has been campaigning for the job since February of last year. He says the way the current AG has been conducting his job “has been disgusting at times.” Jeff hopes to be the first Republican Attorney General since November 1, 1966, when Doug Head was elected to that post.

As AG, Jeff Johnson would set three priorities for his office:

1. Protect citizens, especially children, from criminals. Significantly shift resources to that end. He says, “You can take that to the bank.”
2. Install balance between consumer protection and protection of commerce. Help business succeed, but run the bad ones out of town. Talk with offenders first, before calling press conferences.
3. Defend the laws passed by our legislature from those who want to declare them unconstitutional. Pursue this vigorously whether personally agreeing with those laws or not. That is the AG's job.

Jeff expects his opposition will be Rep. Matt Entenza, the House Minority Leader, who is campaigning on a promise to go after “Big Oil.” Jeff asks for everyone’s help as the campaign heats up this summer.