Hennepin County smoking ban politics is affecting the Minneapolis mayoral race
August 29, 2005 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on political repercussions of Hennepin County smoking ban.
The Hennepin County smoking ban is becoming a big issue in the race for Minneapolis mayor. Bar and restaurant owners who feel the ban is hurting their business have helped convince Peter McLaughlin, Hennepin County Commissioner, to reconsider his support for the ban. McLaughlin is running against Mayor R.T. Rybak. Rybak says campaign contributions from the bar owners appear to have helped change McLaughlin's mind.