Gov. Mark Dayton’s belated State of the State speech on Wednesday served two purposes this year. In addition to setting forth some goals for the remainder of the legislative session, the talk signaled the beginning of the state re-election season.

The speech was not overtly political, but anything having to do with government seems to be political fodder these days. The governor pointed to the budgetary surpluses and economic growth the state has enjoyed during his first term and encouraged the Legislature to follow through with more investment, in Minnesota, especially with a $1.2 billion bonding bill. It is a theme Dayton has sounded many times in the past, that Minnesota businesses succeed when government is actively working to make it a better place.

The Republicans have taken exception to his speech. They are not saying that Minnesota isn’t doing well, but think the Republicans’ efforts to control government spending are responsible for much of our surplus. They believe the governor and the DFL have put us on the road to runaway taxes and spending.

These are all excellent issues for the upcoming election season, when Republicans hope to regain control of the Legislature and the governor’s office. Let the races begin.