GOOD MORNING
Happy Sunday. I’ll be on Fox 9 at 7:45 this morning with Leah Beno and I’ll have a live Sunday Take at 9 AM on WCCO Radio.
We’re going to start doing some Saturday and Sunday editions, so we might as well start today.
The weekend before an election is always a little scary for the campaigns, but a Friday Halloween should be a great night for the kids. Anxiety high with SNAP benefits expiring, something on the minds of the food and ag leaders at the AgriGrowth Summit last night. A vision for the future of ag and food is emerging.
Sunday Take is likely to be about the battle for school boards, in places like Anoka-Hennepin where the hyperbole from social media would make you think it was some sort of invasion of extremists, but parents just want good schools.
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FIRST
On Saturday, Speaker Lisa Demuth made a series of calls letting Republican insiders know that she’s announcing her run for Governor. Demuth has been considering the run for months and will release a video later today and hold a news conference on Monday.
In a highly planned roll-out, Demuth and her team are trying to rise to the front of the race, which will be measured by fundraising, delegate support and legislators’ endorsements.
She enters a Republican race that includes Rep. Kristin Robbins, Dr. Scott Jensen, businessman Kendall Qualls. DeMuth changes the race but its not clear how much considering Robbins has had success raising money and has had significant visibility as the Chair of the House Fraud Committee. Qualls has built some support among the grassroots activists within the GOP, but most observers sense he lacks the energy to build a broader support. The 2022 Republican nominee Scott Jensen has largely been absent from invites for forums, but still has a significant following within the party.
Demuth’s rise to be the House GOP leader came about after the 2022 election, when then leader Rep. Kurt Daudt didn’t have the support to become the caucus leader. Demuth kept much of Daudt’s staff. Since becoming the leader, Demuth has grown her confidence in the spotlight as the spokesperson for her caucus, she has also navigated the tie in the house with strength. One of the dynamics in holding unity within the GOP caucus included receiving a standing ovation once the final deal with DFLers and Gov. Tim Walz was agreed to.
Demuth will likely stay the Speaker because Republicans will not want to re-open the power sharing agreement, however there are dissenters within the caucus that could create noise in the upcoming session. The other factor is Robbins and Demuth in the same caucus – both running for Governor, and arguably could create tension as they both will seek visibility and a voice.
Another strongly rumored part of Demuth’s candidacy is that businessman Ryan Wilson will be her running mate. That news is expected to be announced within a few weeks. It seems early to announce running mates, although Qualls has met with some potential running mates in recent weeks.
I’ll discuss more about the Demuth candidacy today at 9AM on Sunday Take on WCCO Radio at 9. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3qbzt8G
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MORE TO KNOW
Gov. Tim Walz headlined a rally for Mayor Jacob Frey yesterday, the Fateh campaign will have a rally today.
Vikings in Detroit at noon.
Dodgers win the World Series
Wild won last night, Timberwolves did too. Gophers FB won in OT.
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The latest insight from Fluence Advisory on the loss of institutional knowledge from the Minnesota legislature. READ: https://fluence-advisory.com/insights/
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TODAY: Fox 9’s Doug Solomon, retired lobbyist Todd Iverson
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