Target created a firestorm late last month by donating $150,000 to MN Forward, a “Republican-friendly political fund staffed by insiders from departing GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s administration.” The most controversial part of this contribution was that MN Forward supports Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer (R), who is an outspoken opponent of rights for gay men and women — while Target often presents an LGBT-friendly image. Target came under intense pressure from its employees and customers, many of whom called for boycotts of the retail chain. Today, Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel apologized to his employees. From his letter:

I have heard from many of you, and our team members, over the past week regarding Target’s contribution to MN Forward, and I appreciate your engagement and candor, both of which clearly demonstrate your loyalty and passion for our company.

In situations like this, it is often difficult to find the right words, but I would like to respond with the same honesty you have shown me.

The intent of our political contribution to MN Forward was to support economic growth and job creation. While I firmly believe that a business climate conducive to growth is critical to our future, I realize our decision affected many of you in a way I did not anticipate, and for that I am genuinely sorry.

We remain fully committed to fostering an environment that supports and respects the rights and beliefs of all individuals. The diversity of our team is an important aspect of our unique culture and our success as a company, and we did not mean to disappoint you, our team or our valued guests.

Going forward, we will soon begin a strategic review and analysis of our decision-making process for financial contributions in the public policy arena. And later this fall, Target will take a leadership role in bringing together a group of companies and partner organizations for a dialogue focused on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including GLBT issues.

Earlier this year, Republicans were overjoyed when the Supreme Court overturned “a 63-year-old law designed to restrain the influence of big business and unions on elections.” As Common Cause noted, January’s Citizens United decision enhanced “the ability of the deepest-pocketed special interests to influence elections and the U.S. Congress.”

Thanks to Citizens United, Target is now a major Republican donor, giving $150,000 to MN Forward, a “Republican-friendly political fund staffed by insiders from departing GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s administration.” The AP reports on the retail chain’s new activism:

A Target spokeswoman said the company supports causes and candidates “based strictly on issues that affect our retail and business objectives.” Spokeswoman Lena Michaud said Target has a history of giving in state and local races where allowed, but wouldn’t provide detail on those donations.

She added that TargetCitizens, the company’s federal political action committee, has spread donations evenly between Democrats and Republicans so far this year. Political action committees contribute money collected from employees and shareholders, not from corporate funds.

Target’s donations to MN Forward – $100,000 in cash and $50,000 in brand consulting — slightly exceeds the total amount the company has given this year to all campaigns and causes at the federal level. By contrast, individuals can give a maximum of only $2,000 to candidates under Minnesota law.

MN Forward is running ads supporting Tom Emmer, the presumptive GOP nominee for Minnesota governor. Target spokeswoman Lena Michaud said the company gives money to candidates who are focused on making “economic growth a priority.”

Emmer’s — and, apparently, Target’s — idea of “economic growth” involves slashing the wages of working Americans. This month, Emmer proposed cutting the minimum wage for service workers who receive tips, such as bartenders and waiters. Attempting to justify these cuts, Emmer claimed that some of these employees earn “over $100,000 a year” and often make more than the people who employ them:

“With the tips that they get to take home, they are some people earning over $100,000 a year. More than the very people providing the jobs and investing not only their life savings but their families’ future,” Emmer said. [...]

“Government can only inhibit business, can only keep it from growing, as opposed to creating jobs,” he said. “Right now, we have too much of it, guys. We’ve got to pull government back.”

Of course, most Minnesota food and beverage service workers don’t earn anything near $100,000 a year. Emmer’s other extreme views include advocating nullification of certain parts of the Constitution and declaring health care reform unconstitutional. He also embraces Arizona’s far-right immigration law and once proposed chemical castration for sex offenders.

Target’s support of Emmer and MN Forward is also angering LGBT activists, who viewed the company as progressive on gay issues. The retail chain is “one of the largest sponsors of LGBT events around Minnesota each year.” Emmer, however, has supported a “constitutional marriage amendment that protects traditional marriage.” In light of its corporate giving, Twin Cities Pride said it is “reviewing its partnership with Target.” OutFront Minnesota released a statement reading, “Emmer stands alone among candidates for governor in opposing equality for GLBT Minnesotans. Target should not stand with him.” (Change.org has a petition demanding that Target stop donating to anti-gay politicians here.)

Target also recently hired the chief of staff to Sen. John Thune (R-SD) to become its new head lobbyist.

[/