It's pact that three people want others to join.

And it's one they say will ultimately benefit area voters.

Representative Dan Dorman, R-Albert Lea, Sen. Grace Schwab, R-Albert Lea and House candidate Jeff Anderson of Austin pledged that the campaigns they're involved in this fall won't be of the dirty sort.

"Each year, candidates, political parties and special interest groups spend millions of dollars to slander reputations, misrepresent records or motivate voters through fear," Schwab said.

The three signed the "District 27 Compact for Clean Elections" and urged others in both local and statewide races to adhere to the pact.

The trio made stops Wednesday in Albert Lea and Austin to urge other candidates to get on board. Dorman said mailings will be sent out to candidates to urge them to conduct fair and clean campaigns this fall.

"We ought to, ethically, abide by such standards," Dorman said.

Some previous political campaigns have included altered photographs or half-truths about candidates.

"I find this distasteful," Dorman said. "It's not what voters want. They deserve facts and issues, not distortion."

Anderson, Dorman and Schwab said they've each talked with voters and have heard a similar message.

"The public is tired of negative campaigning," Anderson said. "It just encourages voter apathy. We're going to be positive and focus on the issues."

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at dan.fields@austindailyherald.com