Meeting with a group of about 20 local Republicans in Albert Lea, former Minority Leader Marty Seifert, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, shared what he thinks are common sense ways the Minnesota economy can be lifted back up last week.

Giving example after example of business ventures that have not been able to come to fruition in different parts of the state — either because of the amount of time required to get necessary permits or the cost of doing it — Seifert said he wants to see a private enterprise be the largest employer again in the state. Currently the state government is.

“We have the capability in Minnesota to boost this economy and get it raised,” he said.

Seifert, who is the front-running Republican gubernatorial candidate according to a straw poll at the state Republican convention, is from Marshall. He is one of nine Republican candidates seeking the governor’s seat after Gov. Tim Pawlenty leaves in 2010.

In addition to saving jobs or adding them, he said he thinks there needs to be major welfare reform.

Right now in Minnesota, there are 10,000 people each year who move to the state who take part in at least one of the four welfare programs offered, he said. He would like to lower that number.

People can get a welfare debit card of sorts, which he said he thinks also need to be reformed.

More than $20 million in Minnesota welfare debit cards has shown up in other states.

To avoid this, he said he thinks it should be required for a person to show their photo ID when they’re using it, that they should not be allowed to get cash back from it and that is can only be used in the state. He also thinks it should be treated like a commodities card where people are not able to get alcohol, cigarettes or lottery tickets with it.

There needs to be accountability and responsibility, he said.

These were two of the major issues he addressed before taking questions from the crowd.

One person questioned how Seifert would win in the Twin Cities area since he’s from Greater Minnesota.

Seifert said people in that part of the state believe in the same things he’s talking about in this part of the state.

“It’s as well received there as it is out here,” he said.

He noted he doesn’t think people are going to hold it against him at the end of the day that he’s from a rural community, and he recognizes that he can’t only be dependent on one portion of the state to win the race.

When asked what he would do about the budget deficit and local government aid cuts, Seifert said he thinks the state needs to bring accountability. And welfare reform can bring a lot as well.

Privatizing some government businesses can also allow things to get done cheaper, faster and better, he said.

Others asked what kind of election reform should be done following the recent race of Norm Coleman versus Al Franken.

Seifert said he thinks people should have to show a photo ID when they vote.

Sometimes he’s afraid of being too blunt, he said, but he calls it “raw honesty.”

“We need someone who will refreshingly tell it like it is,” he said.

“I feel very confident in his competency level to run the state of Minnesota,” said local Republican Erik Larsen, who introduced Seifert to the group. Larsen noted he got to know Seifert well when he was running for the District 27A House of Representatives seat in 2008.

Larsen said Seifert has a good understanding of Greater Minnesota, as he is not from the Twin Cities metro area. He also understands the needs for a public education and comprehends what it’s like in the private sector because he’s a business owner, too.

Seifert said he grew up as a rural farm kid, the youngest of six. His father had an eighth-grade education, and Seifert grew up learning the value of work.

He said he bring values forward that he thinks represent common sense. Some of these values he learned growing up.

These include not spending more money than you have coming in, respecting hard work and community, and remembering that families raise children not the government, to name a few.

He announced his theme of common sense leadership when he toured the state after announcing his bid for governor.

Before stopping in Albert Lea Thursday, Seifert made a stop in Austin.