This election cycle is going to be very important in Minnesota, and it has nothing to do with the presidential election. The Minnesota State Legislature is up for grabs, and for democrats, it may be winner-take-all.

Governor Dayton has made clear his desire to raise taxes on the rich for the sole purpose of raising taxes on the rich. His “fair share” ideology may be disastrous for Minnesota if implemented. Minnesota provides an already more-than-adequate safety net to its residents, and our education system is one of the greatest in the nation.

This doesn’t matter to Governor Dayton. In the words of Ronald Reagan, “We have so many people who can’t see a fat man standing beside a thin one without coming to the conclusion the fat man got that way by taking advantage of the thin one.” In today’s day and age, Dayton must believe the opposite considering the obesity problems of the poor.

Regardless of Gov. Dayton’s intent, raising taxes will hurt the current economy. Even Keynesian economists agree that increasing taxes during a recession or weak recovery has adverse effects. Illinois is a prime example of the failures brought about by the implementation of liberal policies. Fiscal responsibility may be hard but explaining the bill left for future generations is shameful.

The reason this all matters is because every seat in the Minnesota legislature is up in this election cycle because of redistricting, and this means that control of the senate will be affected greatly by the electorate’s mood. Republicans control a slim majority, but the recent scandal involving the former senate majority leader has hurt the party’s reputation. Minnesota has a very large socially conservative population which supports the Democratic Party because of the Republican Party’s reputation in the state. Luckily, Republicans can stay in power as long as they prove they support their ideology.

Conservatives must be sure to cast their ballots. While Romney is a longshot to win in Minnesota, voter enthusiasm often starts at the top of the ballot. Senator Franken would not have won if Obama did not energize his base as much as he did in Minnesota.