Eric Kleefeld August 27, 2010, 11:19 AM

The Minnesota Republicans have announced a compromise of sorts with Democratic gubernatorial nominee Mark Dayton, who complained that video trackers were being disruptive and should clearly identify themselves: The GOP’s trackers will now wear some snarky anti-Dayton shirts.

Last week, Dayton held a press conference at which he showed a video of GOP trackers standing, he thought, too close to him at a fair. Dayton said that passersby would think that the trackers were with him and blocking the way. “The tactic has changed and it’s clearly one of harassing me and trying to provoke me and it’s one of intimidating citizens so they can’t have a conversation with me,” Dayton said at the press conference.

In response, the GOP has unveiled new T-shirts that their trackers will wear — with slogans such as “I’m with the guy who wants to raise your taxes,” and “I’m with one of America’s Worst Senators.”

From the state GOP’s press release:

“After careful and thoughtful consideration of Mark Dayton’s request, the Republican Party of Minnesota is proud to announce that our trackers will begin wearing new uniforms during the Fair clearly identifying them as employees of the Party. While I don’t think there was anyone who really didn’t know who they were, we’re happy to abide by Dayton’s request. Our trackers do a fantastic job, and I know they’ll continue to hold Dayton accountable for his public statements in their new uniforms,” said Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton.

“I want to thank Mark Dayton for making this request of the Party, and we are happy to accommodate his wishes. We hope he enjoys our trackers’ new look during the Great Minnesota Get Together. If he has any future requests, we are all ears,” said Republican Party of Minnesota Deputy Chairman Michael Brodkorb.

The TPM Poll Average shows Dayton leading Republican nominee Tom Emmer by 44.2%-33.6%, plus 9.9% for Independence Party candidate Tom Horner.

2010 elections, MN-GOV, Mark Dayton