2024 CONVENTIONS

‘Her day one was 3.5 years ago’: Minnesota Rep. Stauber slams Kamala Harris

Cathy Wurzer, Gracie Stockton and Megan Burks / MPR News — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 21:30:39 GMT

After the close of the Democratic National Convention, U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, who represents Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District, is eager to hear about policy on the campaign trail.

“We have to tell the American people and show the American people the difference in the policies. And it’s a stark difference in the policies,” Stauber told Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer Friday, Aug. 23.

While accepting her Democratic presidential nomination in a 37-minute speech Thursday, Harris broadly outlined policy priorities such as a commitment to an “opportunity economy,” middle-class tax cuts, standing up to Russia and North Korea and supporting Palestinians’ right to self-determination while defending ally Israel’s right to self-defense. But she gave few details.

Harris also pledged to revive a bipartisan border security bill that Former President Donald Trump had implored Republican lawmakers to block.

When Wurzer asked Stauber if he had supported the bipartisan border bill, he pointed to a separate bill that passed the House with only Republican votes.

“It’s been sitting on Chuck Schumer’s desk for over a year now,” he said. “That was the strongest border security package in the history of this country. It would have made our streets and our community safe. It would have stopped illegal immigration, and it would have helped our border patrol and helped our southern states and their communities.”

Stauber voiced that illegal immigration and drug trafficking of fentanyl leading to overdoses and deaths are a top issue for him this election year.

“We have to secure our southern border, and Kamala Harris has been a disaster,” Stauber said.

“As a former police officer in Duluth, the worst calls I had were to give unsuspecting parents the news that their loved one had died because of a drug overdose,” he added. “That is happening every single day, and it doesn't have to be that way. The policies need to change.”

The bipartisan border bill did include provisions to combat drug trafficking, like installing fentanyl-detecting inspection machines and the ability for the president to impose sanctions on non-citizens involved in trafficking. Despite Republican claims, the majority of fentanyl is brought into the U.S. by citizens, not illegal immigrants, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.

Regarding Harris’ economic promises to boost middle-class families, Stauber pointed back to the Biden Administration’s economic policies over the last term, recent inflation and the high cost of living.

“If you can compare the monies in people’s pockets and middle-class pockets between the Harris-Biden and President Trump administrations, it’s night and day,” Stauber said. “I think that what she talked about is things that she should have or could have done the last three and a half years. Her day one was three and a half years ago.”

Inflation surged as the nation was coming out of the pandemic, driven by supply chain disruptions and changing consumer demands. And while consumers are still dealing with higher prices, inflation fell to its lowest level in more than three years last month. The Federal Reserve says it could begin dropping interest rates as a result.

So far on the campaign trail, the parties have focused mostly on painting the race as one of good versus evil. We’ll see in the coming weeks whether it shifts to one of good policy versus bad. Harris and Trump will debate on ABC Sept. 10.

“We’re all Americans, right? We have to understand that, and we have to respect diverse opinions, but it's okay to talk about what you believe in,” Stauber said.

Stauber, himself, is also on the ballot in November. He faces a challenge from Former DFL state Rep. Jen Schultz.

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Kamala Harris takes on Gaza war, tyranny in Democratic convention finale

Jeff Mason and Doina Chiacu / Jeff Mason and Doina Chiacu — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 16:22:57 GMT

CHICAGO — Vice President Kamala Harris sealed the Democratic presidential nomination with a muscular speech, laying down broad foreign policy principles and sharp contrasts with Republican rival Donald Trump with 11 weeks left in the race for the White House.

On the final night of the four-day Democratic National Convention, Harris, 59, promised to be a "realistic," "practical" president for all Americans, as she battles Trump, 78, in a razor-close campaign.

"In the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand and I know where the United States belongs," she said on Thursday, Aug. 22, accusing Trump of bowing down to dictators. She promised to back NATO, Ukraine and "stand up to Putin's aggression," a reference to Russia's president.

Harris emerged as the Democratic candidate little more than a month ago when allies of President Joe Biden, 81, forced him to quit the race.

It was a forceful speech for a candidate who, during her brief campaign, had yet to articulate much of her vision for the country. Harris has faced a stream of personal attacks from Trump, who called her weak on the foreign stage.

After days of protests from Palestinian supporters who were disappointed at not getting a speaking spot at the convention, Harris delivered a pledge to secure Israel, bring the hostages home from Gaza and end the war in the Palestinian enclave.

"Now is the time to get a hostage deal and a ceasefire deal done," she said to cheers. "And let me be clear, I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself."

She said she wanted to end the war in a way that provides for Israel security and allows the Palestinian people to realize their right to self-determination.

Harris said she would take whatever action was necessary to defend U.S. interests against Iran and said tyrants and dictators including North Korea's Kim Jong Un, "are rooting for Trump."

Harris would be first female U.S. president

If successful, Harris stands to make history as the first woman elected U.S. president on Nov. 5.

Harris drew a series of contrasts with Trump, accusing him of not fighting for the middle class, planning to enact a tax hike through his tariff proposals, and having set in motion the end of a constitutional right to abortion with his picks for the U.S. Supreme Court.

Harris noted the Supreme Court's recent ruling about presidential immunity and the risks that would pose if Trump gained power again.

"Just imagine Donald Trump with no guard rails," she said.

Trump, who had promised to respond to Harris' speech in real time, posted a series of messages on Truth Social as she spoke about him, including: "She stands for Incompetence and Weakness – Our Country is being laughed at all over the World!" and "She will never be respected by the Tyrants of the World!"

Harris also said she will pass a middle tax cut that will benefit more than 100 million Americans, contrasting that with Trump's vow to cut the corporate tax rate.

She discussed her plans to fight for abortion rights, voting rights legislation, boost the housing supply and ban what she has called "price gouging" by grocers. Her campaign has also proposed raising the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%.

Chicago’s United Center brimmed with energy – and people. The arena’s 23,500 seats were filled and arena staff briefly blocked more people from entering the facility, saying the city’s fire marshal declared the building at capacity.

"We did it," Harris told supporters at a post-convention reception. "Forward, forward, forward."

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Vice presidential pick and Minnesota's own Tim Walz rallies Democratic convention

Andrea Shalal and Stephanie Kelly / Reuters — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:41:06 GMT

CHICAGO — Vice presidential candidate Tim Walz led fellow Democrats in a political pep rally on Wednesday night, Aug. 21, vowing that he and presidential running mate Kamala Harris would triumph over Republican Donald Trump in November's U.S. election.

The Minnesota governor, who was little known in America 15 days ago, acknowledged he had never given such a big speech but said that as a former high school football coach, "I have given a lot of pep talks."

The crowd responded with chants of "Coach, Coach, Coach!"

Walz brought his plain-speaking style and small-town values to the national stage, joined by a litany of political luminaries and star entertainers on the third night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Walz, 60, accepted his party's nomination for the No. 2 job.

He said America should be a place where children don't go hungry, healthcare and housing are human rights, "and the government stays the hell out of your bedroom," referring to Republican assaults on abortion rights and same-sex marriage.

He spoke of preserving the freedoms that Democrats say are under attack from Trump, 78, who is making his third major-party run for the White House. Walz said a second Trump White House would serve nobody except the wealthy and most extreme.

Harris, 59, was set to address the gathering on its final night on Thursday.

Winfrey, Clinton join the fight

Media personality Oprah Winfrey joined Democratic former President Bill Clinton and others to press the case that while Trump was for himself, Harris was for the country.

"Next time you hear him, don't count the lies. Count the I's," Clinton, 78, told the cheering crowd at the national convention, his 12th such event.

Winfrey, describing herself as an independent voter, said, "I’m calling on all you independents and all you undecided. ... Decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024.”

Delegates sprang to their feet, cheering loudly when she entered the stage, a surprise addition to the program.

Vice President Harris emerged as the 2024 Democratic candidate last month following President Joe Biden's exit from the Nov. 5 race and brought the lesser-known Walz to the national stage 15 days ago.

American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder performed, actress Mindy Kaling joked about cooking with her friend Kamala.

Republican deserters joined Democratic stalwarts in supporting the Harris-Walz ticket with Wednesday's spotlight on Jan. 6, 2021. A video showed Trump exhorting supporters that day to be strong and fight before they stormed the U.S. Capitol to try to block Biden's 2020 victory.

As the video played, delegates sat in silence, a sharp contrast to their roars and applause throughout the night.

Olivia Troye, who quit her White House national security job under Trump after Jan. 6, said the Republican candidate was laying the groundwork to undermine the 2024 election.

Geoff Duncan, the former lieutenant governor of Georgia, spoke directly to the camera to tell fellow Republicans watching from home that they needed to "dump Trump."

"If you vote for Kamala Harris in 2024 you're not a Democrat, you're a patriot," he said.

Democrat Nancy Pelosi, who was House speaker on that day, said: "Let us not forget who assaulted democracy on Jan. 6: He did. But let us not forget who saved democracy that day: We did."

Polls showed Biden, 81, trailing Trump before the Democratic president ceded the party's top spot to Harris; polls now show her besting her Republican rival in several of the states that will decide the election.

Divisions over Gaza persist

Biden's support for Israel's assault on Hamas-ruled Gaza, one of the most divisive issues in the party, has not featured prominently at the convention. Palestinian health officials say the offensive has killed more than 40,000 people.

The parents of Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, received a standing ovation and chants of "Bring Them Home" when they took the stage. Goldberg-Polin, 23, was among more than 200 hostages taken by Palestinian Hamas militants in their Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

"Bringing the hostages home is not a political issue. It is a humanitarian issue," Polin said.

Leaders of the Uncommitted National Movement, which mobilized nearly 750,000 voters during the primary elections to protest U.S. support for Israel's war in Gaza, said late on Wednesday that convention organizers had rejected their request to include a Palestinian speaker in the program.

A handful of allies began a sit-in outside the convention center to protest the exclusion, vowing not to move until they get a speaking slot.

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Tina Smith: Democrats’ fascination with Gov. Tim Walz is no 'sugar high'

Hunter Dunteman — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 13:00:00 GMT

CHICAGO — United States Sen. Tina Smith said Tuesday that her party’s fascination with vice presidential hopeful Tim Walz isn’t going away anytime soon, crediting the energy surrounding the Democratic presidential ticket to the human nature of the candidates.

Serving as Lt. Gov. to Mark Dayton before her time representing Minnesota in the U.S. Senate, Smith said she’s gotten to know Walz very well over the years. In Chicago on Monday, Aug. 19, she had a reality check with just how much the Minnesota governor’s life has changed.

“It was kind of a hassle to get into the convention. We came in on a special van and as we are arriving into the big convention area, we’re getting ready to walk in and suddenly there’s a motorcade and all the security is there, pushing us back and telling us to step aside,” Smith explained. “Out of the limo walks Tim and Gwen and Gus and Hope, and it was sort of one of those moments when you realize how much somebody’s life has just changed in an instant.”

When she attempted to approach, Smith said she was stopped by the Secret Service. Someone had to explain that she’s a United States Senator before they allowed her to get closer to Walz.

“When I saw Tim, he gave me a big hug,” Smith said, “and he looked at me with a sparkle in his eye and said ‘Isn’t this fun?’”

It’s been just two weeks since Walz was tapped by Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris to serve as her future vice president. Since then, social media has been teeming with photos and videos showing Walz’s “big dad energy.”

In one video, Walz was recording himself teaching viewers how to replace a headlight harness in his vehicle. In another, he’s having a day with his daughter, Hope, at the Minnesota State Fair, screaming along on a slingshot-style ride.

https://x.com/mattwagenius/status/1820507813669396846

On Monday, the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), Walz again went viral for a moment with his kids.

“There was a picture last night that went viral — here it’s our dignified governor and future vice president and our future Second Lady in their box, watching the proceedings,” Smith said, “and there behind them are Gus and Hope, doing the thing that all children do to their parents: rabbit ears. Tim sees it and is laughing.”

"My kids keep me humble," Walz responded to the moment in a post on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter.

https://x.com/Tim_Walz/status/1825716274040557631

It’s humanizing moments like those, according to Smith, that lead voters to see Walz more as a person and less as a generic politician.

“I think this is one of the reasons that America is falling in love with Tim Walz and Gwen and their family, and also falling in love with Vice President Harris and Doug [Emhoff] and their family,” Smith said. “They’re seeing these people as actual human beings.”

She added that humanization has resulted in a new sense of energy throughout the political left.

“When there’s this jolt of energy that’s vibrated through the Democratic Party in this country, it’s because people can see themselves, some hope and some reality in where we can go forward with this leadership,” Smith explained. “I know that excitement.”

The excitement hasn’t gone without criticism, however.

“The pundits keep asking me, ‘Is this just a sugar high, Sen. Smith? Are people just going to get over this?’” Smith said. “No, we’re not, because we believe in the promise of this country. We believe in the power of strong leadership to move us forward.”

Though Walz did not appear on stage at the United Center on Monday, the energy surrounding a Harris-Walz ticket was apparent, with speakers at the DNC offering messages of hope for the party’s nomination and the country’s future. Smith said she hopes to see that energy turn into work.

“We can see the incredible blessings of this country — but we can also see the work that’s left to be done,” she said. “As we’re here [at the DNC] soaking up that excitement, that ambiance… I know what is going to happen as we leave: We’re going to go back ready to do this work.”

With just shy of 11 weeks until Election Day, Smith called on Democrats to keep their energy high and continue to encourage anyone and everyone to vote.

“Our voices are powerful, our votes are powerful,” she concluded, “but only if we use them.”

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Democrats ceremoniously re-affirm Harris-Walz ticket in DNC roll call

Hunter Dunteman — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 02:05:28 GMT

CHICAGO — Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the Democrats’ nomination for president and vice president.

It wasn’t a surprise that the current vice president earned the nomination, after roughly 85% of the party’s 3,949 delegates pledged their support to Harris in late-July days after her candidacy began. Those pledges were certified on Aug. 6, according to Democratic National Committee Secretary Jason Rae.

But Tuesday’s ceremonial roll call, held at Chicago’s United Center on the second day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), gave delegations from across the United States an opportunity to publicly state their support for a Harris ticket that included Walz.

The roll call, which was the first to take place in-person since the 2016 convention, saw some delegations give brief remarks — but others went all out.

Wisconsin’s delegation donned iconic Original Cheeseheads, while Kansas’ delegation wore Kansas City Chiefs replica gear that read “Kansas Dems.” Georgia’s delegation saw a surprise introduction by rapper Lil’ Jon, who riled up the packed United Center, while actor Sean Astin introduced Indiana.

The roll call was conducted in alphabetical order, with the exception of California and Minnesota — the states to which Harris and Walz belong — which declined to announce their votes until the end of the call.

When the call came back to the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Hans Storvick, a former student of Walz at Mankato West High ��, jumped on the mic.

“Tim Walz was my neighbor, coach and favorite teacher. We were excited to go to his classroom every day — and if you've ever been in high school, you know that can be rare. He opened our eyes to the world, he taught us how to talk about global issues with respect, curiousity and kindness, even and especially when we disagreed,” Storvick said. “But he wasn’t just a great teacher — he was also a great neighbor and friend. In fact, when he was in the midst of a budget battle as governor of our state, he still found time to attend my brother’s funeral. Mr. Walz means the world to my family. He’s always been there for us, and that’s how I know he’ll always be there for you as vice president.”

Storvick passed the microphone to former Minnesota Vikings star lineman and NFL Hall of Famer John Randle.

“Fourteen years in the National Football League taught me a lot about leadership. A good leader cannot be selfish, he has to look out for his team,” Randle said firmly. “Coach Walz is as unselfish as they come. He’s led Minnesota with honesty and integrity, and in November, Minnesota’s going to send Tim Walz and Kamala Harris to the White House.”

U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith introduced themselves to the thousands of Democrats gathered before Smith cast 81 of Minnesota’s votes for the Harris-Walz ticket. Ten additional votes abstained.

Event organizers saved the best for last, as Gov. Gavin Newsom spoke on behalf of California, saying it’s no surprise that Harris has risen to the level of a presidential nominee.

“The thing [Californians] pride ourselves most on is that we believe the future happens in California first. Democrats, I’ve had the privilege for over 20 years to see that future taking shape with a star in an Alameda [County] courtroom by the name of Kamala Harris,” Newsom said confidently. “I saw that star get even brighter as Attorney General of California, as a United States Senator and as Vice President of the United States. … It’s time for us to do the right thing, and that’s for us to elect Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States of America.”

Immediately following the re-affirmation of the roll call’s vote, Harris and Walz joined the Chicago convention via live feed from a rally in Milwaukee, roughly 90 miles to the north.

Gov. Tim Walz is set to accept the nomination during a Wednesday evening speech, while Harris will accept during a Thursday night speech.

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Live updates from the 2024 Democratic National Convention

Hunter Dunteman — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:00:40 GMT

Here's the latest from the 2024 Democratic National Convention:

Tuesday, Aug. 20

7 p.m.

NOTE: The United Center is experiencing significant internet connectivity issues. Check back later for a recap.

Roll call has begun, with each state announcing their delegations votes. It's easy to tell which delegations dressed to fit a theme of their state — Wisconsin's delegation is wearing Packer-style chesseheads, while Kansas is wearing Kansas City Chiefs gear.

1:45 p.m.

More than two hours before doors open, and six hours before a planned appearance by Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, Milwaukee TV station TMJ4 reports a "sizeable crowd" has formed outside the Fiserv Forum — the same venue that hosted this year's Republican National Convention and a Republican primary debate.

Milwaukee is approximately 90 miles north of Chicago. Both Harris and Walz are expected to return to Chicago after the Milwaukee rally.

12:30 p.m.

Multiple motorcades of various lengths and sizes began moving around downtown Chicago shortly after midday.

10:10 a.m.

Calling himself a pro-union, pro-choice, pro-public education and a pro-diversity governor, Kentucky's Andy Beshear gave his "full and total support" to Tim Walz. Beshear was rumored to be in Harris' top-two choices for a running mate. He committed to helping ensure the Harris-Walz ticket will win the election.

10 a.m.

Navy veteran and former NASA astronaut Sen. Mark Kelly, D-AZ, shared that his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, was in the same freshman congressional class with Walz. Kelly joked that Giffords liked Walz so much that he questioned which one was Giffords' first choice for companionship.

Kelly called his service in the Senate "the most important job" he's ever had, using women's rights as a reason to vote Democrats into office. "I can not imagine what it will be like if Donald Trump gets back in office. ... I have a 3-year-old granddaughter who now has fewer rights, and will have fewer rights as an adult, than my mother or grandmother did."

He called on Democrats to continue the momentum that the party has for the remaining 77 days until Election Day.

9:10 a.m.

With an introduction from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Chairman Cole Miller, Sen. Tina Smith followed McCollum's speech by pointing out her belief that Tim Walz is an excellent candidate not only due to his policies, but also due to his humanity.

She said she's seen the excitement that surrounds a Harris-Walz ticket, and that the energy isn't a "sugar rush" that will fade — rather it's here to stay through Election Day.

9 a.m.

After a speech from Brooklyn Park City Councilman Tony McGarvey, Rep. Betty McCollum spoke on the state’s tribal relations, pointing out that some states including Indiana, Illinois and Ohio have no federally-recognized American Indian reservations. “I am so pleased that I get to work with these fantastic tribal nations [in Minnesota].

She also focused on the DFL’s desire to protect blue seats and flip red seats in the Minnesota House and Senate to secure a progressive future. “If we’re going to keep moving forward like we’ve been able to in Minnesota in the future, we have to protect the house and the senate so our governor can continue to sign legislation,” she said.

8:45 a.m.

Rep. Ilhan Omar took to the stage to a lengthy applause. She sees Minnesota and the country as a better place to live under the Democrats that have been elected to serve on the state and federal level.

She called on ending gun violence in America and praised Minnesota’s policy for feeding school children and efforts to increase wages. Omar also took a shot at Republicans, saying: “It is joyful to not campaign on hate and divisiveness and anger and bigotry.”

8:20 a.m.

Chair of the Democratic National Committee Jaime Harrison spoke, crediting the Minnesota DFL for “controlling everything right now.” Tim Walz currently serves as chair of the Democratic Governors Association, Peggy Flanagan serves as chair of Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, and DFL Chairman Ken Martin serves as president of the Association of State Democratic Committees and vice-chair of both the Democratic National Committee.

Harrison said he’s “so proud” of Minnesota’s Democrats, and that he’s excited to see a country with “Coach Tim Walz” as vice president and a Minnesota overseen by Flanagan.

8 a.m.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist speaks first, saying the "whole country is getting introduced to the Midwest" due to the rise of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.

March for Our Lives founder David Hogg said he never saw himself getting into politics because he didn't think anything would ever actually get done — but added that Walz is one person who got his attention. He said it's "shameful" that other states with larger Democratic majorities have failed to implement progressive policies like Minnesota has.

"More than that, Gov. Walz has been able to deliver. I don't care what you've done on the campaign trial, I care what you do in office," Hogg said. "[Minnesota is] passing gun laws and delivering over $50 million to address gun violence through the Legislature."

7:35 p.m.

Good morning from the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Chicago.

Minnesota's delegation to the DNC is meeting for a second day of breakfast. Tuesday's speaker lineup for the gathering of Democrats include Rep. Ilhan Omar and Sen. Tina Smith, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, retired astronaut and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Chairman Cole Miller and more.

DFL Chair Ken Martin teases the possibility of any number of surprise guests today.

Monday, Aug. 19

11:29 p.m.

Joe Biden spoke for just shy of an hour, ending his speech at 11:18 p.m. Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff briefly joined the Bidens on stage to exchange hugs.

Following a benediction, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan gaveled out the session at 11:29 p.m.

10:25 p.m.

After a heartfelt introduction from his daughter, President Joe Biden had to wipe away a tear before making his way to the podium. Before he could get a word out, he was met with roughly five minutes of applause, which didn’t help his waterworks.

Chants of “We love Joe” overpowered the president, who couldn’t help but smile and thank the tens of thousands of Democrats gathered at the United Center.

“I love you,” he told the crowd, which yielded an even louder response, followed by chants of “Thank you Joe.”

Roughly five minutes into his speech, protesters in the lowest level of the United Center unfurled a banner and began shouting. Nearby delegates began chanting until security confiscated the banner.

It didn’t appear as though the president — or most of the venue — noticed.

“I made a commitment to you that I’d be a president for all Americans, whether you voted for me or not,” Biden said, as more chants thanking him broke out. “Thank Kamala, too.”

Biden touched on everything his administration has done, ranging from the COVID-19 response and economic rebuilding to capping insulin costs and investing in infrastructure. He added that now’s the time for Democrats to ban assault weapons and demand universal background checks for firearm purchases.

“It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president. I love my job, but I love my country more,” Biden said, denying that he feels any anger toward those who encouraged him to step down. “Elect Kamala and Tim president and vice president of America. … I promise I’ll be the best volunteer the Harris and Walz campaign has ever seen.”

“America, I gave my best to you,” he added with glassy eyes.

10:10 p.m.

First Lady Jill Biden took the stage. After being married to Joe Biden for nearly five decades, she opened her speech by sharing moments that she realized she fell in love with him all over again, including the day he decided to drop out of the presidential race and endorse Kamala Harris.

In a speech that lasted just a few minutes, the First Lady said she's excited for the future to after seeing the number of Democrats gathered at the United Center.

8:50 p.m.

Former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton took the stage, and was met with applause louder than the speakers could transmit her voice. She made multiple attempts to quiet the crowd so she could speak.

"There's a crowd of energy in this room, just like there is across this country," she said. "Something is happening in America, you can feel it.

Her speech began with thanking President Joe Biden, saying he "brought dignity, decency and confidence back to the White House." The line was met with an outbreak of "Thank you Joe" chants from the crowd.

8 p.m.

Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on the stage, and was the met with uproarious cheers from the now nearly-full United Center. She spoke briefly, sharing her gratitude to President Joe Biden for the past four years.

6:30 p.m.

Flanagan returned to the stage a second time, praising Gov. Tim Walz's job performance in Minnesota, adding that he always brings snacks to meetings. "Tim Walz always brings something for me, and as Vice President, he'll always bring something for you."

In a sharp turn, Flanagan said her brother was the second person to die from COVID-19 in Tennessee in 2020, but said the Biden-Harris administration and the Walz administration saved lives.

After an abrupt ending to her speech, a video played on the center video board criticizing Donald Trump's COVID-19 response during his presidency. The crowd booed.

6:15 p.m.

Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee, held a roll call vote to ceremoniously confirm Tim Walz as the party's vice presidential nominee. The voice vote was unanimous.

6:01 p.m.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan kept her opening remarks brief before introducing Rep. Maxine Waters, D-CA. The two exchanged a hug before Flanagan left the stage.

Waters reflected on the positive changes America has seen, specifically in terms of racial equality in politics, since the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and NAACP challenged delegate selection processes that excluded people of color from serving as delegates.

"Now we can ask ourselves, is this America?" Waters said. "You're damn right it is."

5:54 p.m.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson: "Gov. Tim Walz will never shrink from standing up for our democracy and from those in need."

5:33 p.m.

The session was opened by Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison and convention committee Chair Minyon Moore. An invocation, the pledge of allegiance, the national anthem and more followed.

5:30 p.m.

Delegates from across the United States are beginning to take their seats. Minnesota's delegation is seated stage left, roughly halfway across the arena. They're neighbored by South Dakota's delegation.

Monday's evening was supposed to be called to order at 5:15 p.m., according to a calendar shared by DNC officials. Nobody has taken the stage, yet.

4:20 p.m.

The line to enter the security perimeter rivals the line for most amusement park rides.

I've been in line for more than 20 minutes, and it's barely moving. Plus, it's hot.

3:30 p.m.

Approaching the United Center, police presence is strong, as is the presence of protesters, hundreds of whom are stationed at a nearby park.

Bicyclists toting Palestine flags are weaving through vehicles in traffic jams.

Protesters don't appear to be disrupting the flow of traffic, however, and many are chatting with police officers.

Closer to the arena, protesters are less visible, and pedestrians are holding signs thanking President Joe Biden via posters.

12:15 p.m.

DNC officials released Monday's speaker list in full. Following an introduction from DNC Committee Chairwoman Minyon Moore and DNC Chairman Jamie Harrison, the following individuals will speak in the following order:

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson; Minnesota Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan; Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-IL; Rep. Robert Garcia, D-CA.

Following those speeches is a joint address from union leaders, including Lee Saunders, April Verrett, Brent Booker, Kenneth Cooper, Claude Cummings Jr., and Elizabeth Shuler.

Then, speeches will continue with Micigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow; Sec. Gina Raimondo; Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-NY; Union president Shawn Fain; Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY; former Sec. Hillary Clinton; Rep. James Clyburn, D-SC; Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-MD; Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-TX; Rep. Grace Meng, D-NY; joint remarks from Texas, Louisiana and Kentucky residents; Gov. Andy Beshear, D-KY; Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-GA, and Sen. Chris Coons, D-DE.

The evening’s speaker list will be capped off with First Lady Jill Biden before Ashley Biden introduces President Joe Biden for the final speech.

The DNC clarified that the speaker list is subject to change.

11 a.m.

Some speakers are getting a feel for the main stage ahead of tonight's main session of the DNC. CNN reported live on TV that 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and current Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff have appeared on stage.

President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden have been scheduled to speak Monday night, alongside Hillary Clinton, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and others.

Monday's main session of the DNC will gavel in shortly after 5 p.m. Monday and run until shortly after 10 p.m.

9 a.m.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar took the stage as the final speaker for the morning, touting Harris’ ability to unite the Democratic Party “in literally two days” after Joe Biden dropped out of the race. She also recalled the waves of emotion she felt when speculation grew surrounding Walz as an option for vice president.

“We get our Vikings mentality,” Klobuchar joked, explaining how she didn’t want to get her hopes up too quickly. Then, she watched as Harris had a round of “speed dating” with each of her potential running mates and eventually picked Walz.

“Then there was that glorious day where it is announced that Tim Walz is going to be the next vice president,” she said to loud applause. “We know the Walz family well, and one of the things that I love that America is seeing now is the interaction of Kamala and Tim on that stage.”

Klobuchar said Walz’s record on items like tax cuts, free lunch for school children, stronger family leave laws and more makes him the right pick for America.

Following Klobuchar’s speech, the breakfast concluded.

8:15 a.m.

Attorney General Keith Ellison took the stage to a strong round of applause. He recalls the shock he felt when he saw video of George Floyd’s murder. Ellison said he was in touch with Tim Walz throughout the prosecution of Derek Chauvin, and later heard from Kamala Harris, too. “We’ve got two people on this ticket who care about the law, care about justice.”

He spoke on Walz’s “common sense” governance, such as efforts to install an earned sick and safe time law to address the childcare crisis, as well as restoring voting rights to certain felons. “It’s just basic common sense,” Ellison said.

U.S. Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack followed Ellison. He said the Democrats in the room understand the importance of elevating Harris and Walz to the Oval Office and promoting Flanagan to governor. “[Minnesota sends really good people to Washington,” Vilsack said, referring to Walter Mondale and Hubert Humphrey. While concluding, Vilsack called Republican vice presidential candidate “weird,” jumping on the left-wing trend.

8 a.m.

Infinite Campus founder and CEO Charlie Kratsch gave a short speech introducing Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.

Flanagan said Minnesota knows a thing or two about growing vice presidents, and that Walz will make a great running mate and partner to Kamala Harris. She spoke on the DFL’s work to increase wages, create childcare availability and more in a testament to Walz’s dedication to improving America.

She added that she expects Democrats will elected Harris and Walz, that Minnesota will be kept blue. “When we fight, we win,” she said. After leaving the stage, Flanagan took photos with multiple attendees and mingled throughout the audience.

7:30 a.m.

Good morning from the Fairmont Chicago, where Minnesota Democrats are hosting their first delegate breakfast gathering of the week. With breakfasts every day, Monday’s speakers include Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Attorney General Keith Ellison and more.

Chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Ken Martin takes the stage to loud cheers from the roughly 100 Democrats who have entered the ballroom.

Former New York State representative Rev. Michael Blake speaks next. He’s hyping up Gov. Tim Walz’s leadership, saying he’s excited to see Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan become Minnesota’s governor during a Harris-Walz presidency.

Blake is followed by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Missouri), who has served in Washington for nearly 20 years. Cleaver was on a plane when President Joe Biden announced he’d be discontinuing his campaign. He said this election will have benefits or consequences for generations to come, depending on the outcome.

——

This article is updated throughout the duration of the Democratic National Convention, so long as updates are available.
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What Minnesota Democrats expect from Gov. Tim Walz’s DNC speech

Hunter Dunteman — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 18:00:00 GMT

CHICAGO — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has been across the country since he was tapped as a running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris two weeks ago, but the vice presidential hopeful is preparing for what could be one of his most important speeches yet: An address to the Democratic National Convention (DNC).

With a keynote speaking slot scheduled at Chicago’s United Center on Wednesday evening, Walz will be speaking before one of his most significant audiences yet, including the former presidents and presidential candidates, notable Democrats, celebrities and thousands of news media members and Democratic guests.

Ken Martin is the longest-serving chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor party (DFL), currently in the middle of his fifth consecutive term. He’s also serving as a vice-chair of the DNC.

He said he wasn’t surprised, but was surely excited, when he learned that Walz had been called upon to run alongside Harris.

“I was just ecstatic. Gov. Walz, I think, has been one of the most successful governors in the country in terms of what he's been able to do to help improve people's lives — the legislation he passed during the past couple legislative sessions,” Martin said. “It's an important value for our party in Minnesota, but also certainly for the governor, that every person should have an opportunity, not just to survive, but to thrive and to get ahead.”

Though he doesn’t know exactly what Walz’s speech will consist of, Martin offered some insight as to what he expects to hear.

“I haven't been privy to his speech at this point, so I don't know what he's going to say, but what you'll probably hear is some broad themes focused on what he was able to accomplish, both in Congress and in his time as governor,” Martin explained. “And again, a focus on not letting politics get in the way of good governance.”

Martin touted Walz’s ability to pass progressive policy through a one-seat majority in the Senate (though a June resignation from Sen. Kelly Morrison, D-Deephaven, who is making a run for Congress, leaves the state’s Senate evenly balanced for a time).

“I don't need, need to recount all the different pieces of legislation … but the point being, [Walz] was really focused on helping working people and helping families get ahead instead of just getting by, and I think that's really key,” Martin explained.

More on Walz’s biography and a little bit more about who he is as a person — not just a governor — is something else Martin said those watching the DNC are likely to hear.

“He was a teacher for 20-plus years, he is a veteran, a hunter, a gun owner. He served 12 years in Congress in a tough district in southern Minnesota, he’s a small town guy, as he likes to say,” Martin explained. “And probably most importantly, he's genuine and authentic, right? … He's more comfortable in a baseball cap and a t-shirt than a suit. He's more comfortable in a deer stand or a fishing boat. He's just a really down to earth guy.”

Martin believes that Walz’s Midwestern personality “adds a lot” to the Democratic ticket.

Minneapolis lawyer Charles Nauen shared many of Martin's sentiments.

“[Walz] always speaks from his heart, he’s a genuine guy,” he said. “He leads the state with his heart and with compassion for people.”

But what Nauen is really looking forward to is an explanation on how Walz’s progressive agenda for Minnesota could be applied across the rest of the United States.

“I want to hear [Walz] talk about his vision for the United States, and how his experience in Congress for 12 years and his experience as governor for six-plus years is going to translate to helping people nationwide,” Nauen explained. “I got goosebumps just thinking about it.”

The nation’s youngest delegate — 17-year-old Isaac Winkler, of Golden Valley, Minnesota — said he’s looking for Walz to continue pushing rhetoric that can bring Americans together.

“I’m hoping to hear a message of unity. I think that America needs a candidate right now that can bring people together. Regardless of anyone’s individual preference, Tim Walz and Kamala Harris can say they’ve never incited violence to protect their office and power,” Winkler said. “That’s the most important thing. They’re both very good people and they’re here for all Americans.”

It’s a message Winkler feels that Walz has been pushing effectively.

“He’s been very good at trying to reach a broad band of voters,” he said.

While the DNC has not yet released a time for when Walz is expected to speak, the speech will be broadcast on major cable news networks, as well as across all of the convention’s official channels.

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As co-chair, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan gavels in DNC

Hunter Dunteman — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:00:00 GMT

CHICAGO — Minnesota’s Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan was selected to serve as one of four co-chairs of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

As the highest-ranking Native American woman holding an elected office, according to Democratic National Convention (DNC) officials, Flanagan gaveled in the quadrennial convention Monday evening — one day before Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are set to accept the Democratic nomination for president.

If the Harris-Walz ticket were to win the November election, Flanagan would become Minnesota’s first female governor and the country's first female Native American governor.

Her appearance on the DNC’s main stage came hours after she addressed Minnesota’s delegation during a breakfast event across Chicago.

“When we fight, we win,” Flanagan said Monday morning, Aug. 19, encouraging Minnesota Democrats to do all they can to gather more support on the local, state and national level.

Monday’s speaker set included President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

In addition to Flanagan, the DNC also announced as co-chairs former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-TX, who will gavel the main sessions throughout the remainder of the convention.

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‘We can sleep when we’re dead’: Walz rallies Wisconsin sprint to Election Day

Jacob Fischler / Minnesota Reformer — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 20:14:05 GMT

CHICAGO — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic candidate for vice president, made a surprise appearance at a Democratic National Convention breakfast program for the delegation from Wisconsin — one of a handful of battleground states — to encourage attendees to continue their hard campaign push to the Nov. 5 election.

Repeating a refrain from his short time on the campaign trail so far, Walz urged the Wisconsinites on Monday morning, Aug. 19, to sprint to Election Day to elect Vice President Kamala Harris. She is scheduled to deliver an acceptance speech as the party’s presidential nominee Thursday evening.

“We’ve got 78 days of hard work,” said Walz. “We can sleep when we’re dead.”

Harris’ entrance into the race less than a month ago — following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw — has energized Democrats, leading to a flurry of new volunteers signing up for the campaign, Walz said.

Walz told the crowd to focus not only on defeating former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, but to take motivation from their own agenda.

“It’s not just beating those guys,” Walz said. “It’s about the idea of the things that we believe in, whether it’s democracy or freedom or the strength of our public schools.”

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore sounded a similar tone in his remarks to the delegation.

“The reason we are all fired up … is not because we are afraid of the alternative,” Moore said. “We don’t need to spend any more time talking about how dangerous that alternative is. The reason that we are going to fight, the reason that we are going to win, is not because we are afraid of the alternative, it is because we are so hopeful and so optimistic about what the future is going to be like in a Harris-Walz administration.”

A Democratic administration would address housing insecurity, child poverty and gun violence, Moore said.

The message of Democratic unity resonated with Michael Jones, a Wisconsin delegate and special education teacher in Madison.

“While we all understand how terrible the alternative is, we’re not just talking about that, but we’re also talking about the joy and the positivity of when we come together,” he said.

Swing state

Speakers noted the importance of Wisconsin as one of a handful of toss-up states in the presidential election.

“You know what you have to do,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul told the group. “The nation is counting on you.”

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers told reporters, following his prepared remarks, that Democrats in the state would work to turn out voters in the presidential election.

“That’s our job,” he said. “We can’t expect Tim Walz or Kamala Harris to be showing up in Wisconsin every day. So we’re going to do it.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York also addressed the delegation, saying Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s reelection race was critical to retaining a Democratic majority in the chamber.

“We can’t keep the Senate without” Baldwin winning, he said.

Schumer promoted Baldwin’s work in the Senate, including on a bipartisan bill to promote microchips manufacturing.

Education a top issue

The drop-in from Walz energized delegates, including Terri Wenkman, from Jefferson, Wisconsin.

“I was excited most about the surprise visit from Tim Walz,” Wenkman, a former school board member, said. “Public education is a huge piece for me, so the selection of somebody that was a public school teacher and a true huge advocate for public education, I really identify with that.”

Wenkman added that Walz’s message to drive hard to the finish line resonated, saying that the shortened campaign season may benefit Democrats.

Walz’s background as a high school teacher and football coach came through in his delivery, Jones said.

Evers, also a former teacher and state school superintendent, made a reference during his prepared remarks to Walz’s teaching career.

“We know what happens when we elect teachers,” he said.

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Klobuchar, Flanagan rally Minnesota Democrats during DNC delegate breakfast

Hunter Dunteman — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:06:27 GMT

CHICAGO — In the midst of a busy schedule at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), delegates and Democrats from Minnesota are still finding time to rally amongst themselves.

Each morning of the four-day gathering, Minnesota’s delegation gathers for a breakfast meeting. But it’s not the food that’s getting Minnesotans going for the day — it’s a series of fiery speeches from notable politicians from the Land of 10,000 Lakes and beyond.

“This is what gets everybody going for the whole day, being at these breakfasts, hearing these speakers, getting excited,” said Minneapolis lawyer Charles Nauen. “How many standing ovations were there? Six or eight? You get to meet people, you get to hear people, you get to get excited.”

Monday’s breakfast featured Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, both of whom spoke to Walz’s record as to why he’s the best running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris.

“He gets that when you have power, you use it to do something,” Klobuchar said.

She credited the Walz administration with advancing the state’s largest middle-class tax cut, which imposed higher tax rates on some of Minnesota’s higher-income homes and businesses. Klobuchar also touted Walz for passing stronger family leave policies, providing students with free lunches and more.

“During COVID, we had lunches for our kids. … He got it passed into law,” she said. “He got passed into law the best paid family leave policy in the United States of America. He did all that.”

Flanagan used her speech to cover the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party’s (DFL) record on increasing wages, making childcare accessible to more Minnesotans and more, calling on Minnesota Democrats to continue fighting in every election, whether local, state or federal.

“When we fight, we win,” Flanagan said.

If the Harris-Walz ticket were to win over former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, Flanagan would be promoted to serve as Minnesota’s governor, which DNC officials say would make her the highest-ranking Native American woman in elected office in the country.

Others who spoke during Monday’s breakfast include DFL Chairman Ken Martin, Attorney General Keith Ellison, USDA Sec. Tom Vilsack, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-MO, and Rev. Michael Blake.

According to DFL spokesman Darwin Forsyth, the speaker lineup for each morning’s breakfast will be “a moving target” until the breakfasts begin.

Though he didn’t provide any names, Nauen teased who may be to come.

“There’s going to be some very big national names,” he said.

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What to expect from the 2024 Democratic National Convention

Hunter Dunteman — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 13:00:00 GMT

CHICAGO — Tens of thousands of Democrats are expected to flood the streets of Chicago next week, as Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are poised to officially accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for President of the United States.

The Windy City is playing host to this year’s Democratic National Convention, set to be held at the United Center Monday, Aug. 19 through Thursday, Aug. 22.

While the anticipated acceptance of the party's nomination is certainly the convention's main focus, the four-day event is expected to feature speeches from current and former presidents, prominent Democrats and pop culture figures, as well as the adoption of the Democratic Party’s platform.

Here’s a look at what to expect from the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC):

Who is set to speak at the DNC?

The most prominent speakers at this year’s convention will take the stage during the event’s main sessions, which run from 5:30-10 p.m. on Monday and 6-10 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

While a full list of speakers has not been confirmed, nor has their order, there’s some indication on which big names will see the stage.

President Joe Biden is expected as the keynote speaker, with a Monday evening slot. The White House said this week that Biden is looking forward to speaking “directly to the American people,” though Politico reported that the president doesn’t intend to remain in Chicago for the remainder of the convention.

Sharing the stage with Biden on Monday is 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, who previously called a potential Harris presidency a “fresh start for American politics.”

On Tuesday, former President Barack Obama is expected to speak, with some speculating former First Lady Michelle Obama will also appear. The Chicago icons have already endorsed Harris. Before Biden abandoned his bid for re-election, Barack played a hand in raising more than $50 million toward a Biden-Harris ticket.

Wednesday will see former President Bill Clinton, one of the first heavy-hitting Democrats to endorse Harris, speak before introducing Walz to the stage. As is tradition, Harris will speak during Thursday’s primetime slot.

It’s unclear what, exactly, Walz plans for his speech, and whether it will be a departure from speeches he’s already given, which have generally focused on women’s healthcare, tax cuts for working families, “common sense” gun laws and more.

Further, Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Jason Carter is also expected to speak on behalf of his grandfather, former President Jimmy Carter, who remains in hospice care as he nears age 100. Others rumored to speak include Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, pop culture icon Beyonce and more.

What’s on the Democrats’ platform?

Another vital part of the convention is the adoption of the party’s official platform.

One significant problem with the Democrats’ platform is that it hasn’t been updated since July 13 — more than a week before Biden announced he’d be dropping out of the presidential race. Though the document is non-binding, it does give some insight into the goals of the Harris campaign.

The draft platform calls for restoring abortion rights across America, capping child care costs for low-income families, working with Congress to find a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and furthering advancements to green energy initiatives.

The platform also backs Israel's right to self-defense, endorses Biden's efforts to strike a ceasefire agreement, calls for stronger gun safety laws and focuses on cutting taxes for working families.

The 80-page draft platform can be read online. For comparison, the Republican Party's platform was 16 pages long.

Daytime events include 33 caucus and council meetings

When Democrats aren’t gathered at the United Center for nighttime speeches, they’ll be plugging away at business items across town at the McCormick Place, North America’s largest conference center.

There, the DNC plans to host 33 different caucus and council meetings from various groups, such as the Black Caucus, Youth Council, Women’s Caucus, Small Business Council, Labor Council and more.

Each caucus and council meeting will feature various leading Democrats and other guests speaking on issues that impact their group directly or indirectly.

All caucus and council meetings will be available to the general public via the DNC’s YouTube page.

Who might be protesting?

As many as 40,000 protesters are expected to appear outside the DNC, which could cause issues to the event’s security and transportation.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, planned protests include those by the Coalition to March on the DNC, the Illinois Policy Institute, Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws, the Poor People’s Army and more.

The Secret Service has established strict security zones around all DNC-related venues, and expected disruptions are minimal, according to multiple media outlets.

How can I watch the DNC?

DNC officials intend to make this year’s convention available to as many Americans as possible.

“The convention team set out with an ambitious goal of reaching more Americans than ever before,” said DNC Executive Director Alex Hornbrook. “With more and more Americans consuming their news in new and innovative ways, Democrats stand ready to meet them where they are – and to bring our vision for a brighter future to households all across the country.”

The official live stream of the DNC will be available on the convention’s website. Feeds will also be available on official convention channels on YouTube, X, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitch and Amazon Prime Video.

SmartTV users can also access the convention via AppleTV, RokuTV and FireTV, while cable subscribers can watch through Comcast Xfinity X1, Comcast Xfinity Flex, DirecTV via Satellite, DirecTV satellite-free and DirecTV Stream and U-verse TV.

Various national media outlets will also stream live coverage of most sessions.

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Steve Boyd seeks GOP primary upset of Congresswoman Fischbach in MN 7th District

Tom Cherveny — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 22:22:00 GMT

WILLMAR — Michelle Fischbach won her seat in Congress in 2020 by upsetting 15-term DFL incumbent Collin Peterson.

Now running for her third term, the Republican incumbent is facing a primary challenge from a candidate hopeful of pulling off an upset to match hers.

Steve Boyd, of Kensington, Minnesota, enters the Republican primary never having held an elected office, and having sworn off funding from special interests or political action committees.

In contrast, Fischbach’s experience includes serving in the Minnesota Senate from 1996 through 2018, and as lieutenant governor in 2018 and 2019. In Congress, she holds seats on the powerful Ways & Means and Rules committees.

The Aug. 13 primary determines which of the two will be on the ballot in November against A.J. Peters, the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party's endorsed candidate.

Early primary voting began June 28 and continues through Aug. 12, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office.

Boyd’s political accomplishment to date: He prevented the congresswoman from getting her party’s endorsement at the Republican Seventh Congressional District Convention earlier this year in Morton. It’s no small feat, he points out, especially when considering that Fischbach has maintained a conservative voting record throughout her tenure in the most conservative of Minnesota’s congressional districts.

“I think we have a strong chance to surprise a lot of people,” Boyd, 39, told Forum Communications Co. in a recent interview.

He holds his optimism despite a poll released by Fischbach’s campaign showing she holds a 57% to 22% advantage.

“That’s a big gap for an underdog campaign to close,” said David Sturrock, a professor of political science at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall who is active in Republican Party politics.

He said Boyd has been conducting a “vigorous campaign,” but that national conservative support for him has not materialized.

Fischbach has not been ignoring the threat he might pose, either.

“Beyond her own in-person campaigning, Fischbach has aired television and digital ads and sent numerous direct mail pieces which feature her endorsement by Donald Trump and emphasize border security, gun owner rights and pro-life positions,” Sturrock pointed out in an email.

Boyd dismisses the polling as not being conducted well. More to the point, he said he’s not expecting to win the primary with support from the establishment Republicans that the polling targeted.

Boyd said he’s looking for his support from Republicans who are not always on the radar screen; many of them are raising young families and too busy to be involved in party activities, he said.

He believes he can get them to the polls on Aug. 13. They are frustrated with politics as usual, and looking for someone who will put principles before party and politics, he said.

Boyd has been referred to as a Christian conservative. He said that his faith and Christian values are important to him, and voters should know that.

He grew up the son of a minister with the Seventh-day Adventists, and a mother whom he said was very interested in politics. On his own, he took on studies in biblical citizenship and the U.S. Constitution offered by the Patriot Academy. Begun by a former Texas state lawmaker, the leadership training program's stated mission is to educate citizen leaders to "help restore our Constitutional Republic and the Biblical principles that cause a Nation to thrive."

Boyd, 39, and his wife, Talitha, are parents to five children ages 9 to 19, three of them adopted. He earned a degree in sales and marketing management from the Alexandria Technical & Community College. He owns his own fertilizer and lawn care business. The couple home-schooled their children.

Fischbach, 58, of Regal, and her husband, Scott, are parents to two grown children. She grew up in Woodbury, and earned a bachelor's degree in political science from St. Cloud State and a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell �� of Law. She was elected to the Paynesville City Council in 1994 and two years later won a special election to join the state Legislature.

Boyd and Fischbach hold nearly identical conservative positions on issues ranging from abortion to a belief in limiting the role of government. Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Fischbach. Boyd said he supports the former president. “Fully, especially in this election,” he said.

For Boyd, the biggest difference between him and his opponent is his frustration with “how we do politics. ... We play a lot of games,” said Boyd, who charges that elected officials put staying in office and party first.

He charges that while Fischbach has maintained a conservative score card in Congress, her actions are more important than her votes. As a member of the House Rules Committee, she cast the deciding vote in moving an amendment on foreign aid legislation forward despite being able to cast a "no" vote for it in the House for the record, he said.

He also underscores what he considers other differences between himself and Fischbach. She rarely hosts town hall meetings or public sessions with constituents, visiting and touring with special interest and other groups in private, he said.

Boyd pledged that if elected, he would hold a town hall meeting in each of the district’s 38 counties every year. He’s held more than 50 town hall meetings as part of his primary campaign to date, and has put on thousands of miles driving to summer parades in communities across the sprawling, rural district.

Boyd also pointed out that Fischbach does not serve on the House Agriculture Committee, despite the obvious importance of agriculture to the district. Boyd said serving on the Agriculture Committee, which Fischbach’s predecessor once chaired, would be a top priority for him.

Fischbach’s campaign team said she was too busy for an interview on the primary race. In a written response, the campaign team said she believes the country is at “pivotal point in history” with the possibility of a Republican trifecta in Washington D.C.

“With President Trump back in the White House, Congress must be bold with rolling back the excesses of federal spending and overreach,” she said in a statement.

The congresswoman said her goals are to curb inflation, close the border and pass immigration reform, and significantly deal with federal spending and the national debt.

“The good people of western Minnesota are hurting from fentanyl, rising prices, and feeling like they are falling behind,” she stated.

Boyd calls attention to his identical concerns about these issues as well, especially the debt. He said people have a sense of unease about the economy and fears that the “bubble will burst” with a national debt of $35 trillion clouding the future.

Sacrifices will be needed in the future to right the economic path, according to Boyd. He believes the country must look at programs such as Social Security, but emphasized that promises must be kept to those who have paid into it.

Boyd said he will not run a write-in campaign or throw wrenches into the process if he does not win in the primary.

Sturrock is among those who do not believe Boyd’s ability to stymie Fishbach in winning the party’s endorsement will matter in the long run.

“Both the Republican and DFL endorsements are losing their historic role in selecting nominees for state and federal office,” he explained. “Steve Boyd was able to mobilize and turn out delegates more interested in conservative issues and less impressed by incumbency, name recognition and fundraising. It is doubtful that the deadlock at the April 27 convention will have much influence on the Aug. 13 primary election.”

Win or lose, Boyd said he feels very good about the campaign and believes it will having a lasting impact on the party either way.

The winner of the primary — whether Fischbach or Boyd — is likely bound for Washington D.C. , according to Sturrock. He does not believe the Democrats can mount a serious challenge in the district.

“As Democrats have found many ways to lose support in rural areas, their candidates in greater Minnesota have become less competitive. Either Republican would figure to win comfortably in the 2024 general election,” he said.

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Minnesota sends young contingent to Republican National Convention with 1/3 of delegates under 34

April Baumgarten — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 20:59:52 GMT

MILWAUKEE — At age 21, Aaron Farris is one of the youngest Minnesota delegates in attendance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

But the Albert Lea man is in good company. The Minnesota Republican Party estimated a third of the state’s delegation is under age 34.

The fact that so many young Republicans came to the convention from Minnesota shows that young people understand issues that affect their parents and grandparents also affect young voters, Farris said.

“I think it is that realization that, even though these are issues that some young people don’t really think about that much, they are issues that we need to care about and we need to be focused on," he said. "We need to actually vote like we care about those issues."

Minnesota has 39 delegates who could vote. Kip Christianson, a 33-year-old delegate from Monticello, Minnesota, said he believes more than 15 delegates are less than 34 years old.

“They are really excited,” he said. “They come from all sorts of backgrounds.”

Farris said this is his first time at a Republican National Convention. He said his expectations were pretty high, but the first day was better than he could imagine.

He recalled seeing former President Donald Trump coming onto the convention floor and waving to the crowd. The bandage on his right ear served as a reminder that a gunman tried to assassinate Trump in Pennsylvania about 48 hours before the convention started.

“That was one of the most electric experiences I’ve had,” Farris said.

He also got to see country singer Trace Adkins perform at a reception on Sunday. The speakers have also been incredible, he said.

Farris said he has enjoyed talking to people from across the country about their “visions to fix America.”

This is also AK Kamara’s first Republican National Convention. The 40-year-old from Forest Lake, Minnesota, was elected a National Committeeman for the convention, making him one of the youngest to be elected to such a post.

Those attending the convention have all been positive, he said.

“The mood has been so high energy,” Kamara said. “People seem so motivated.”

Seeing Gen Zers and Millennials as delegates shows that they are coming into their own in the world of politics, Kamara said. Older generations have been reluctant to hand over power to younger generations, he said.

“What I’m seeing now is that we are stepping into these different roles where we are taking power for ourselves,” Kamara said.

Trump picked U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, of Ohio, to be his running mate, Kamara noted. At 39 years old, Vance is the first Millennial to be a vice president candidate.

Millennials have “been put through the meat grinder,” Kamara said, noting life-altering events like 9/11, the housing crisis of 2008 and the coronavirus pandemic. They can use that experience to shape the world, he said.

By taking positions of power and getting involved in politics, Millennials are changing the way they present themselves to the world.

“This ain't your granddaddy’s Republican Convention anymore,” he said.

Christianson said he attended the 2016 convention as a delegate. He sees himself as a mentor to the first-time delegates.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the 120 people we have here from Minnesota who are attending this delegation as a delegate or as an alternate,” he said. “This is an experience they will remember for their entire lives.”

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Photos: Donald Trump arrives at RNC, first public appearance since assassination attempt

Reuters — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 03:01:55 GMT

MILWAUKEE — Donald Trump made a triumphant entrance during the first night of the Republican National Convention on Monday, July 15, receiving a raucous ovation from the party faithful two days after a would-be assassin's bullet grazed his right ear.

Trump walked into the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee with a thick bandage over the ear as the crowd chanted "Fight! Fight! Fight" and pumped their fists, a reference to his reaction in the moments after he was wounded.

The former president appeared moved by the response as he stood in a box with some of his children and U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, Trump's choice for running mate announced earlier in the day.

Trump is due to formally accept the party's nomination in a prime-time speech on Thursday and will face Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 election.

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Minnesota ranks No. 1 for youth voter turnout in 2024 general election

Mary Murphy — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 18:30:53 GMT

ST. PAUL — Minnesota took the top spot in the nation for youth voter turnout in the 2024 general election, according to a recent study by Tufts University.

The April 15 study by Tufts shows Minnesota voters aged 18-29 had a 62% turnout rate in November's general election, surpassing other states in the study as well as the national turnout rate of 47%. Maine followed at 60% and Michigan came in third at 58%.

The study doesn’t have data for some of Minnesota’s neighboring states, but estimates Iowa at 54% and Illinois at 41%.

"Minnesotans have a long tradition of voting in sky-high numbers, and I'm thrilled to see that tradition continue in the next generation," Secretary of State Steve Simon said in a press release on Thursday. "Here in Minnesota, we're proud of the strong laws and culture that support civic participation for eligible voters and ensure that our elections are free, fair, and secure."

Minnesota narrowly lost the No. 1 spot for overall turnout to Wisconsin, with Minnesota at 76.35% and Wisconsin at 76.64%, with national turnout at 64.04%, according to the University of Florida Election Lab.

November’s general election marked the first election with an expanded pool of eligible voters in Minnesota after the new “Restore the Vote” law reopened elegibility for an estimated 55,000 to 57,000 Minnesotans with past felony convictions.

“While we're disappointed to have barely come up short in our effort to stay #1 in overall voter turnout, we are proud we got so close even as we gained many new eligible voters in 2024," Simon said in the press release. "I'll happily take the trade of ceding the top spot so that more Minnesotans could regain the right to vote. Now, the work continues to regain our spot as #1 in 2026."

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Wisconsin squeaks past Minnesota for the top spot in voter turnout

Clay Masters and Peter Cox / MPR News — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 22:28:34 GMT

ST. PAUL — In the race between Gophers and Badgers for voter turnout, the Badgers won.

Voters in Wisconsin narrowly outperformed Minnesota voters in the 2024 election. The University of Florida’s Election Lab reported that 76.35% of the voting-eligible population cast ballots in Minnesota. In Wisconsin, 76.64% of the voting-eligible population cast ballots.

Secretary of State Steve Simon regularly touts Minnesota’s long-running first-place voter turnout position. And he said while turnout was strong in the 2024 general election, it came up just a little bit short.

“In a heartbreakingly close contest, Minnesota lost the title of number one in voter turnout to Wisconsin for the 2024 election,” he said in a statement. “We congratulate our neighbors to the east on this victory and we’ll continue our work to earn the top spot back in 2026.”

Wisconsin was one of a handful of battleground states in last year’s presidential election. Campaigns spent tens of millions of dollars in Wisconsin, and voters sent a mixed message back by reelecting Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin.

Minnesota stayed in the Democratic column. Former Vice President Kamala Harris won the presidential vote in Minnesota with Gov. Tim Walz on the ticket. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar easily defeated her Republican opponent.

This story was originally published on MPRNews.org
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Special election for Roseville House seat set for early March

Mary Murphy — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:31:34 GMT

ST. PAUL — Gov. Tim Walz issued a new writ on Wednesday, Feb. 5, to schedule a special election in March for House seat 40B in Roseville.

The writ sets a new date of March 11 for the special election which was originally scheduled for Jan. 28, but after Republicans filed suit claiming Walz called the special election too quickly, the Roseville seat will be vacant for a bit longer.

Roseville’s House seat became vacant after a Ramsey County judge ruled that former DFL Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson did not reside in Roseville six months prior to his election in November.

The Ramsey County ruling on Dec. 20 is also what triggered Republicans gaining a temporary 67-66 majority over Democrats. Republicans then began arguing a power-sharing agreement previously discussed when November’s general election landed the Minnesota House in a 67-67 tie is no longer necessary. Democrats have since been boycotting the first three weeks of the session.

Among other demands, Democrats have said without a power-sharing agreement, given the Roseville seat is likely to return the House to a tie, they may not stop their boycott until the special election in March.

The candidates previously filed for House seat 40B when the election was set for Jan. 28 were DFL candidate David Gottfried and Republican candidate Paul Wikstrom. New candidates have until Feb. 11 to file for candidacy.

Wikstrom has lived in Roseville for 28 years and works in engineering and management. Some of his top priorities are affordability, public safety and public education, according to his campaign website.

DFL candidate Gottfried lives in Shoreview and works as a pro-bono specialist at a law firm. Some of his top priorities are education, environment and gun control, according to his campaign website.

“I am thrilled that this campaign is back in action,” Gottfried said in a Wednesday statement. “We’ve been ready to move forward full-steam ahead. My priorities are addressing the needs of working families in Roseville and Shoreview. I’m ready to hit the ground running at the Capitol so we can lower the cost of prescription drugs and make a smart plan to protect our shared futures in Minnesota.”

At the time of publication, Wikstrom had not yet replied to a request for comment.
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Minnesota GOP plans to file for recall of all 66 House Democrats

Mary Murphy — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:06:58 GMT

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Republican Party announced on Tuesday, Feb. 4, that it will file recall elections for all 66 House Democrats who are currently boycotting the session.

Newly elected Chairman of the Minnesota GOP Alex Plechash said Tuesday that the party’s grassroots organizers officially started Monday night collecting the 25 signatures required in each district to submit recall petitions.

“What are Democrats doing, carrying on the idea that they can hold the state hostage until March, or maybe longer, all while collecting nearly $10,000 a day in salaries and benefits?” Plechash said. “This isn’t a political game. This is about governing. It’s about ensuring that our state functions, that our kids get an education, that taxpayers aren’t swindled, that our government does its job.”

Plechash said that some of the districts, including DFL Leader Melissa Hortman’s district in Brooklyn Park, have collected the 25 required signatures, and that the GOP anticipates it will file the first batch of petitions on Monday, Feb. 10.

After the 25 signatures are collected, the petitions are submitted to Secretary of State Steve Simon’s office. The signatures would then be checked and the petitions would be submitted to the Minnesota Supreme Court. The Supreme Court then decides if the grounds for a recall are valid.

If the petitions are approved by the court, the Republican Party would then have 90 days to gather signatures from 25% of eligible voters in the district. These signatures would then go back to Simon for another review, and if they are approved, a recall election date would be set.

Jennifer DeJournett, executive director of the Republican Party, said the party suspects this could be a 10-month process from the time election contest lawsuits were filed in November to when a recall election could hypothetically be over.

“A recall process in the state of Minnesota is easy to start, just like a good marathon race,” she said. “It takes some kind of gumption in your heart to be able to get all the way through to the act, and we are prepared to do that. We’re willing to fight for all Minnesotans to make sure they have a voice. We want them to come to work.”

The DFL responded to the Republican announcement in a statement Tuesday.

"Republicans have wasted weeks trying to overturn an election that they lost so that they can seize power that Minnesotans didn't give them at the ballot box," A DFL spokesperson said about recall efforts. "Today's stunt shows how desperate they have become after the courts struck down their unlawful power grab and ruled that Rep. Tabke was duly elected by Shakopee voters. Weeks after the judge's ruling, Minnesota GOP legislators need to answer whether they plan to overturn an election for partisan gain."

As of Monday, Feb. 3, Minnesota House leadership said they were still engaging in negotiations and had switched to team negotiations rather than just Leaders Hortman and Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring. One of the members who joined the Republican team is Rep. Paul Torkelson, R-Hanska, who said he’s hoping team negotiations can get some movement in the right direction.

“Today was the first day of team negotiations, and we’re hopeful that maybe that will actually shake some things loose,” he said. “It’s a process, right? And we’ve been at the table this morning, going back to the table this afternoon. We’re hoping that this will result in some movement in the right direction. We’ve really done a disservice to the citizens of Minnesota by not convening the House and getting to work.”

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Democrats regain Minnesota Senate majority as DFLer Doron Clark wins Minneapolis seat

Mary Murphy — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 17:33:25 GMT

ST. PAUL — DFL candidate Doron Clark won Tuesday’s special election for a Minneapolis Senate seat that gives the chamber majority back to Democrats.

Clark earned 91% of the vote and Republican candidate Abigail Wolters 9%, according to the Secretary of State's office.

The victory in Minnesota Senate District 60 in Minneapolis gave back Democrats the majority in the Senate after three weeks of power-sharing following the death of Sen. Kate Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis. Dziedzic's death on Dec. 28 pushed the Senate into a temporary 33-33 tie.

Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, released a statement following the results, praising Clark and saying that Dziedzic’s legacy will live on in their work.

"His election will restore the DFL majority that has accomplished so much for our state these past two years,” Murphy said. “Senator-elect Clark is a talented and accomplished leader who understands his district well. During this difficult time, for the Minnesota Senate and the people living in Senate District 60, we’ve been guided by the example of brilliant leadership set by the late Senator Dziedzic.”

DFL Senator-elect Clark lives in Northeast Minneapolis working full time in ethics and compliance at Medtronic. He served as Senate D60 DFL Chair in 2022. Some of his top priorities are public education, healthcare and housing for all, according to his campaign website.

"I am honored to be your Senator-elect and deliver the DFL majority back to the MN Senate. Thank you to everyone who knocked on doors, made phone calls, and supported our campaign," Clark posted on X after his victory. "I can't wait to get to work for all Minnesotans!"

During its tie, the Senate has been operating under a temporary power-sharing agreement, which was set on the session’s opening day on Jan. 14 and includes the establishment of co-presidents and equal control of committees.

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Today's special election for a Minneapolis seat will decide Senate majority

Mary Murphy — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 18:34:56 GMT

ST. PAUL — A special election for Minnesota Senate District 60 in Minneapolis on Tuesday, Jan. 28 is set to decide who will take control of the Senate.

The Minneapolis Senate seat opened after the Dec. 28 death of Sen. Kate Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis, leaving the Senate in a temporary 33-33 tie. The seat is expected to return to blue on Tuesday, Jan. 28, as it has been since 1970.

During its tie, the Senate has been operating under a temporary power-sharing agreement that passed on the session’s opening day and includes the establishment co-presidents and equal control of committees.

In a primary for the Minneapolis Senate seat on Tuesday, Jan. 14, Abigail Wolters won the Republican race with 72% of the vote and Doron Clark won the DFL candidacy with 38% of the vote. Voters of District 60 will decide between Wolters and Clark Tuesday.

Voter Information

Republican candidate Wolters is a lifelong Minnesotan, software engineer a 2021 graduate from the University of Minnesota. Some of her top priorities are public safety, fiscal responsibility and investments in education and the economy, according to her campaign website.

DFL candidate Clark lives in Northeast Minneapolis working full time in ethics and compliance at Medtronic. He served as Senate D60 DFL Chair in 2022. Some of his top priorities are public education, healthcare and housing for all, according to his campaign website.

The Minnesota Secretary of State website advises those with absentee ballots to drop them off in person on election day because of the tight deadline. Voters can do so at either the Hennepin County Government Center or the Elections and Voter Services office in Minneapolis. More information on locations for in-person voting and drop-off can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

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IN PHOTOS: Trump's historic return to the White House

Ian Riley & Amber Holritz, for Forum News Service — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 01:06:58 GMT

Washington, D.C. — Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, making history as the second president to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland. The ceremony, originally planned for the Capitol’s West Front, was relocated to the Rotunda due to unseasonably cold weather.

Donald Trump Sworn In as 47th President of the United States

Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, making history as the second president to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland.

The event drew a mix of political leaders, dignitaries and supporters. In his inaugural address, President Trump focused on themes of combating "woke culture", stimulating economic revitalization and strengthening America’s global standing. He emphasized his commitment to "restoring prosperity and pride" across the nation.

Donald Trump Sworn In as 47th President of the United States

Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, making history as the second president to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland. Crowds gathered on the National Mall to witness the historic event, despite the frigid temperatures.

The inauguration featured several notable moments, including a performance of "America the Beautiful" by country star Carrie Underwood and the attendance of former President Joe Biden, underscoring a peaceful transfer of power.

Security was heightened in Washington, with thousands of law enforcement officers and National Guard troops ensuring the safety of attendees. Crowds gathered on the National Mall in large numbers to witness the historic event, despite the frigid temperatures.

Donald Trump Sworn In as 47th President of the United States

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Trump's inauguration moved indoors due to freezing temperatures

Tim Reid and Doina Chiacu / Reuters — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 18:13:33 GMT

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration will occur inside the U.S. Capitol on Monday rather than outdoors because of severe cold, the first time in 40 years that U.S. presidential inaugural ceremonies will be moved indoors.

"There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way," Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Friday.

"Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda," Trump added.

The last time an inauguration was moved indoors because of the bitter cold was in 1985 for former Republican President Ronald Reagan's second swearing-in when the afternoon wind chill fell into the range of minus 10 to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 23 to minus 29 degrees Celsius).

The forecast for Washington on Monday is for a temperature at the time of Trump's swearing-in around 19 F (minus 7 C) but it is expected to feel even colder with wind chill.

Trump said supporters can view the ceremony on screens inside the Capital One Arena, a professional basketball and hockey venue in downtown Washington that holds 20,000 people.

He said his presidential parade, which was set to involve marching bands and other groups proceeding down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, will be switched to Capital One Arena. It was not immediately clear how a parade would be organized inside the sports venue.

Trump said he would join the crowd at the arena after being sworn in.

NO CROWD-SIZE COMPARISONS THIS TIME

The switch means there will be no comparisons of Trump's crowd size to previous inauguration ceremonies. After his first swearing-in, in 2017, the Republican Trump was infuriated by media reports suggesting the crowd on the National Mall was far smaller than the one that saw former Democratic President Barack Obama first take the oath of office in 2009.

The change in plans will greatly reduce the number of people able to watch the ceremony in person. Many of the more than 220,000 ticketed guests who had been due to watch from the U.S. Capitol grounds will be unable to view the swearing-in inside the building.

In addition, 250,000 unticketed members of the public were predicted to stand on the National Mall for the outdoor ceremony, according to a permit issued to Trump's inaugural committee by the National Park Service. Just a fraction of that number will fit into the Capital One Arena.

�� secretary Tammy Matte, her pastor husband Paul and their high school son Michael had tickets provided by their local congressman but canceled the trip from Laurel, Mississippi after learning they would not see Trump in person.

Matte, 58, said they were no longer prepared to do the nearly 1,000-mile car ride to Washington. "We don't feel it's worth it not to see the ceremony in person," Matte said.

The National Park Service, which oversees the National Mall, did not immediately say whether crowds will still be allowed on the Mall to watch the indoor ceremony on giant video screens already in place.

Trump is due to hold a rally with supporters inside the Capital One Arena on Sunday, the eve of his inauguration.

Alexi Worley, a spokesperson for the law enforcement agencies tasked with inauguration security, said the U.S. Secret Service was working closely with Trump's inauguration committee and the congressional committee in charge of the swearing-in ceremony "to adapt our security plans as needed due to the expected inclement weather."

WINTER CHILL AN INAUGURAL TRADITION

Frigid weather has featured at many a past inauguration. Temperatures for Obama's first inauguration in 2009 were also cold, rising to around 29 F (minus 1.5 degrees C).

William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. president, delivered the longest inaugural address on March 4, 1841, in wet and cold conditions without a hat or overcoat.

That event and speech were thought to have contributed to his later succumbing to pneumonia. He died one month after taking office, making his presidency the shortest in American history.

During the second swearing-in ceremony for President Ulysses S. Grant on March 4, 1873, several cadets and midshipmen standing outside without overcoats collapsed and gusting winds made Grant's address inaudible to even those close to him on the platform, according to a history published by the National Weather Service. The morning low temperature of 4 F (-15 C) on that day remains Washington's coldest March day on record.

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What’s going on with Minnesota’s 2 special elections?

Mary Murphy — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 23:06:46 GMT

ST. PAUL — Two special elections are set to take place Tuesday, Jan. 28, for House seat 40B in Roseville and Senate District 60 in Minneapolis.

In a primary for the Minneapolis Senate seat on Tuesday, Jan. 14, Republican Abigail Wolters won the candidacy with 72% of the vote and Democrat Doron Clark won the candidacy with 38% of the vote. The candidates for Roseville’s House seat in 40B are Republican Paul Wikstrom and DFL David Gottfried.

The Minneapolis Senate seat opened after the death of DFL Sen. Kate Dziedzic, leading the Senate to a temporary 33-33 tie. The seat is expected to remain blue, as it has been since 1970. Despite this, the Senate passed a momentary power-sharing agreement on the session’s opening day on Jan. 14 including co-presidents and equal control of committees.

The Roseville House seat opened after the GOP filed a lawsuit challenging the residency of former DFL Rep.-Elect Curtis Johnson. A judge ruled to unseat Johnson, and the GOP gained a temporary 67-66 majority in the House, where negotiations for a power-sharing agreement fell apart ahead of the session. When Republicans would not sign on to their agreement, House Democrats decided to boycott the legislative session until the special election later this month.

The GOP filed a lawsuit alleging Gov. Tim Walz issued a writ too early for the House’s special election. The Republican Party’s petition aimed to halt the special election and argued that under Minnesota state law, Walz should have waited 22 days after the start of the legislative session to issue a writ, leaving five days for candidates to file.

Walz maintained that because the special election was not triggered by an election contest lawsuit, but by Johnson pulling out from his position as representative-elect, it was lawful for him to call the special election as soon as possible. The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments from both parties on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and a decision is expected swiftly but at an unknown date.

Senate candidates

Republican candidate Wolters is a lifelong Minnesotan, software engineer and a 2021 graduate from the University of Minnesota.

Some of her top priorities are public safety, fiscal responsibility and investments in education and the economy, according to her campaign website.

DFL candidate Clark lives in northeast Minneapolis, works full time in ethics and compliance at Medtronic and served as Senate D60 DFL Chair in 2022.

Some of his top priorities are public education, health care and housing for all, according to his campaign website.

House candidates

Republican candidate Wikstrom has lived in Roseville for 28 years and works in engineering and management. Some of his top priorities are affordability, public safety and public education, according to his campaign website.

DFL candidate Gottfried lives in Shoreview and works as a pro-bono specialist. Some of his top priorities are education, environment, and gun control, according to his campaign website.

Absentee voting for both elections started on Jan. 10. An absentee ballot can be requested on the secretary of state’s website, but due to the tight timeline, those opting for absentee ballots are encouraged to drop off ballots at one of the in-person voting locations.

Voters can cast ballots early in person at the Ramsey County Elections office in St. Paul for the Roseville House seat and at the Hennepin County Government Center or the Elections and Voter Services office in Minneapolis for the Minneapolis Senate seat.

Early voting times vary — check the Secretary of State’s website for details. Registration can be done by Jan. 21 or on Election Day, Jan. 28, at a polling place.

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