Top Minnesota governor candidates say they're open to arena subsidies

Driving the news: Republican Lisa Demuth and Democrat Amy Klobuchar tackled the topic during an hourlong debate on business and economic issues hosted Monday by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

Where they stand: Demuth said she'll continue her "open door policy" on having conversations on the issue, including when it comes to requests for taxpayer-funded subsidies.

• Klobuchar also said she's "open to looking at working with these teams and making sure we keep these stadiums strong."

The catch: Klobuchar said while the facilities are a "point of pride" and an "economic driver," the state needs to be "really smart" when negotiating with the teams so taxpayers "don't get hosed."

Reality check: As we've reported, unlocking public money for arena projects has been tough sledding at the state Legislature.

• That's because conservative Republicans and progressive Democrats have taken issue with such proposals.

Case in point: St. Paul secured just $50 million of the $200 million it sought this spring to move forward with planning its proposed renovation of Grand Casino Arena, the RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

• A more consequential proposal to extend a sales tax to pay for the actual projects stalled.

The intrigue: Klobuchar signaled support for the city's local tax request, saying the state should "at least" allow the city to "do their tax… to help pay for" what she called a needed "update to get with the times."

Go Deeper: What both candidates said on taxes, fraud, permitting and more via the Star Tribune