Walz has performed poorly on Cato Institute Governor Report Cards. From a small-government perspective, his tax policies have been particularly glaring. He has repeatedly pushed for tax hikes on high earners and businesses, which has seemed more like an effort to punish taxpayers than to fill any real need for more budget revenues. ...

IRS interstate migration data show that the state is losing about ten households earning more than $200,000 for every six that it gains, which is the fifth worst ratio among the states. At the same time, Minnesota ranks 44th on the Tax Foundation’s business tax climate index, giving companies a strong incentive to invest elsewhere. To stem the outflow of skilled people and capital, Minnesota needs to adopt a leaner government and cut individual and business tax rates.

Governors can make good candidates for national office because they have experience balancing an annual budget and making tax and spending trade-offs. But to my taste, Walz seems too intent on raising taxes in ways that undermine prosperity, while using the tax code as a subsidy machine for politically favored groups.