Vikings are 13-2. Kevin O’Connell is the first Vikings coach to have 2 13 win seasons.
Frost win last night. Wild host Chicago tonight. Timberwolves in Atlanta.
Holiday travel is expected to set new records as Christmas and Hanukkah are on the same day this year. NPR: https://fluence-media.co/49Pa2MW
What will happen to all those Harris-Walz hats now? SLATE: https://fluence-media.co/3DF8V6n
The Matt Gaetz ethics report was released this morning. CBS: https://fluence-media.co/408cqes
Rep. Ilhan Omar won CD5 by over 50 points, but Kamala Harris won CD5 by almost 62 points, meaning Omar had the nation’s biggest top-of-ticket underperformance from a victorious Democratic incumbent, according to data compiled by independent journalists. DATA: https://fluence-media.co/49OPlRg
A CBS News poll finds 57% of Americans are “hopeful” for 2025, while 23% are “discouraged.” Donald Trump’s second term is the most common reason cited by both groups. POLL: https://fluence-media.co/41Iuzkn
In 2024, incumbents lost in elections that covered 60% of the world’s population. Polls also show global dissatisfaction with democracy is growing in the wake of the pandemic. AP: https://fluence-media.co/3PaESGw
Yesterday on Sunday Take, Sens. Heather Gustafson and Mark Koran on efforts this coming session to curb fraud in Minnesota government. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3ZQMlzf
Fluence tip sheets will be on break until Jan. 2, starting tomorrow. Have a safe holiday and a happy new year!
Send your grievances if you’d like, today is Festivus!
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
From Sunday Take, Rep. Angie Craig on the state of the Democratic party, her political future and possibility of a Farm Bill. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3BxVV20
TAKE: Pending massive news, this is the last take of 2024. It was quite a year, and it didn’t get less complicated on Friday. We don’t need to recount 2024 as much as see what it means for the future. In 2025, the next era of Minnesota politics will begin to take shape. Can Republicans pull out of a drought of winning statewide? Can the DFL regain the dominance that slipped away this year?
Things to be watch:
2024: There could still be some big stories in 2024. On Dec. 31, Sen. Nicole Mitchell has her pre-trial conference. The judge could rule in the 54A House seat, and if she rules against incumbent Rep. Brad Tabke we could have 2 special elections to add to the drama in the Minnesota House.
2025: The balance of power in the Minnesota House is going to be the biggest factor in the legislative session, but also for the future of the state. The House Republicans will have all the leverage on the next state budget. How they play their hand, and the Trump impact for a midterm will be major factors. The other factor is Gov. Tim Walz, and what his future looks like. That too, may also be determined by the House Republicans.
RISING: Both the DFL and Republican party will see rising talent positioning for political futures. For Republicans, Rep. Pete Stauber, Sen. Leader Mark Johnson, Sen. Jordon Rasmusson, Sen. Zack Duckworth, Sen. Julia Coleman would all look to be possible names for statewide office in 2026. Keep an eye on Rep. Harry Niska as well, he thought about running for Attorney General before, and will have high visibility as a leader in the upcoming legislative session.
For the DFL the rising stars are more experienced. It starts with Rep. Angie Craig who has the highest stock of any DFLer right now, and seems to be unafraid of being a moderate. If there’s an open Governor’s seat and/or US Senate seat, which I give 1 in 3 odds – there will be a pack of climbers. If House leader Melissa Hortman chose to run statewide, she would have the best resume. Sen. Leader Erin Murphy has run before, and would likely flirt with the idea again. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan may have the best energy among the most liberal constituencies. Rep. Zack Stephenson would be a candidate for Attorney General if Attorney General Keith Ellison chose not to run again, or ran for Governor or Hennepin County Attorney. Secretary of State Steve Simon has a national following and has won statewide, he shouldn’t be counted out. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter also has major ambition, that wouldn’t be restrained.
MAYORS: The two biggest cities will have major elections. It doesn’t look like there will .much change in St. Paul, but there’s still time. In Minneapolis, the council and Mayor races will determine the future of the city more than even 2021.
DEFICIT: The state budget battle will be major, but the February forecast may be bleaker than the one we just had. The Trump economy is uncertain, and if the market continues on the trend its on, or if layoffs start and spending slows Minnesota revenue collections will be tighter, making the budget outlook for the future even more challenging.
MNLEG: via KSTP, VERBATIM: “A judge on Friday granted a Republican candidate’s contest of the results in a Minnesota House race after finding his Democratic opponent did not establish residency. … DFL candidate Curtis Johnson won the election in the district that includes parts of Roseville and Shoreview by more than 7,500 votes, but his opponent, Republican Paul Wikstrom, found [evidence] Johnson was still living in Little Canada in the months leading up to the election. … [The] order prevents Johnson from taking the oath of office and representing House District 40B, which would tip a 67-67 tie in the House to a one-seat Republican majority when the legislative session begins on Jan. 14.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iS6z4f
MORE: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Ramsey County District Judge Leonardo Castro…agreed that [Curtis] Johnson failed to abide by the residency requirement and thus is ineligible to serve in the Minnesota House. CASTRO: ‘The credibility of Mr. Johnson’s testimony about his physical presence in the apartment was significantly undermined by his demeanor, the photos and videos presented by the contestant and his own reluctance to commit to any more than minimal, vague amounts of time spent at the apartment.’ … On Friday afternoon, [Minnesota Supreme Court] justices issued a short order saying they wouldn’t step in at this stage, but didn’t rule out taking up an appeal of Castro’s final ruling on Johnson’s eligibility to hold office.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gOhU3v
MORE: via Axios Twin Cities, VERBATIM: “While a 67-66 majority would allow Republicans to elect a speaker, [that] advantage would fall just short of the 68-vote threshold needed to pass bills. … If Castro’s ruling holds, a special election would be needed to fill the vacant Roseville-area seat. … A separate election challenge in a narrowly decided Shakopee seat over 20 missing absentee ballots is still pending.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49TMO8E
ORDER: A copy of the judicial order in the 40B case can be read online. READ: https://fluence-media.co/406HBXH
SPEAKER: Speaking to WCCO Radio, House GOP Leader Lisa Demuth said she intends to be elected Speaker of the House using the temporary 67-66 Republican majority when the session begins, and previous power-sharing agreements between the two parties are now on hold. DEMUTH: “We will fully exercise our opportunity for a majority in the House of Representatives — there will not be a co-speaker if there is not a tie. At this point, there is not a need for co-chairs or a power-sharing agreement if there is not a true tie, and that’s what the courts have decided today.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZPhVxh LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3VTozBA
MORE: via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Rep. Lisa Demuth…is the likely speaker of the House, though a Supreme Court reversal of [Leonardo] Castro’s ruling is still possible. … Because 68 votes would be required to vacate the speakership, Demuth would likely remain speaker even after a special election pulls the chamber into a tie, so long as she can keep Republicans in line. … House District 40B [is] a safe DFL seat and will likely wind up in DFL hands after a special election, but that won’t take place for some time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gp5Iqf
MORE: TPT Almanac’s Mary Lahammer points out that according to the Minnesota House Journal, at least two previous state Speakers have been elected with just 67 votes — Speaker Steve Sviggum in 2005 and Speaker Rodney Searle in 1979. TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4fz6u2u
RESPONSES: Key figures in Minnesota shared partisan reactions to the news in the 40B residency case.
Via a House GOP Leader Lisa Demuth statement, DEMUTH: “I applaud the court’s decision to grant the election contest and look forward to ensuring that a valid candidate represents District 40B during the upcoming legislative session. This is a clear reminder that laws matter, and integrity in the election process is non-negotiable.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49OWMYy
Via a House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman statement, HORTMAN: “The court erred as a matter of law in not dismissing this case. A residency issue must be resolved before an election and is not an appropriate basis for an election contest. We will appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court. … Curtis Johnson won District 40B by 7,503 votes, and no court should lightly overturn the will of the voters.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VR69Bo
TIMING: via X from Blois Olson on Friday, VERBATIM: “The timing of a special election is also in question. Gov. Tim Walz has to call the special, but can he do that before the #mnleg session? Currently the seat is not vacant - depending on timing the special will be in Feb or maybe March. Also, that doesn't allow Johnson time to establish residency. So odds are a new candidate?
FRAUD: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota legislators plan to crack down on fraud and waste in state programs when they return to the Capitol in January, after the FBI found ‘substantial evidence’ of fraudulent Medicaid claims in the state’s autism program. Republicans are expected to lead the charge. … Rep. Dawn Gillman, a Republican who will serve on the House human services committee, said the Legislature should require licenses for autism centers. … Rep. Duane Quam, R-Byron, said he wants agencies to take more responsibility for their shortcomings and, if necessary, discipline employees for incompetence that leads to fraud.” QUAM: “If there’s never any discipline for doing the wrong thing or not doing your job…there’d be a tendency to not follow the rules.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VRMCkk
MORE: Sunday Take, Sens. Heather Gustafson and Mark Koran on efforts this coming session to curb fraud in Minnesota government. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3ZQMlzf
CONGRESS: via AP News, VERBATIM: “President Joe Biden signed a bill into law Saturday that averts a government shutdown, bringing a final close to days of upheaval after Congress approved a temporary funding plan just past the deadline and refused President-elect Donald Trump’s core debt demands in the package. The deal funds the government at current levels through March 14. … [Speaker Mike] Johnson’s revised plan was approved 366-34, and it was passed by the Senate by an 85-11 vote after midnight.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZMGNWp
MORE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The chaos in these last few days of the 118th Congress revived threats among House GOP lawmakers to oust [Mike] Johnson, R-Louisiana, when an election for that leadership role is held in January. Also revived: whispers of replacing Johnson with Rep. Tom Emmer, R-6th District – who has several times said that he’s not interested in the job.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Bx9COJ
RESPONSES: Minnesota lawmakers shared a mix of reactions in response to the aversion of a government shutdown.
● Via a Rep. Angie Craig statement, CRAIG: “The bipartisan agreement we just passed includes a critical $100 billion in federal disaster aid — including $1.9 billion in disaster and economic assistance for Minnesota’s family farmers – and it extends the Farm Bill. As we move into a new Congress, I hope my colleagues across the aisle learned a valuable lesson this week: Bipartisanship is the only way forward.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZNvgX6
● Via a Rep. Brad Finstad statement, FINSTAD: “I voted for today’s continuing resolution because it allows Congress to fulfill its obligation to ensure there is no disruption to essential government services, and also provides critical recovery resources for disaster victims and farmers. Additionally, this funding bill puts us on good footing to implement the conservative agenda that Americans overwhelmingly voted for in November.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DxgD2I
HEGSETH: via Politico, VERBATIM: “At least a dozen senators are pushing to see the FBI’s background check on [Minnesota native] Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s embattled pick for Pentagon chief — a rare move for the committee that oversees his confirmation. … Unlike some other committees, the Senate Armed Services usually limits access to these types of background checks to its two lead senators. But pressure is building from both Democrats and Republicans to provide more lawmakers with the ongoing report, whose contents could determine whether Hegseth makes it to the Pentagon.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/407PdJx
MORE: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “[Pete] Hegseth’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled for Jan. 14 and expected to be contentious. The former Fox News host has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in his hotel room in 2017 and has been subject to allegations of out-of-control drinking and mismanagement during his time as the head of two veteran organizations. Hegseth denies all allegations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Bx9COJ
BRINGING SAFETY TO ‘THE NEXT LEVEL’: As part of Enbridge’s work on the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation in northern Minnesota, Enbridge has brought in family-owned and Indigenous-owned Northern Lights Family Outfitters to fully outfit project workers right on the job site with personal protective equipment (PPE) from its 48-foot mobile trailer. “Enbridge really brings safety to the next level,” says Patti, a project liaison for Enbridge and the Fond du Lac Band. “It’s really helpful to have a mobile unit, especially for this kind of work.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3OQYmjn (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
CHARTERS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “According to a new Star Tribune review of more than 200 [regulator] evaluations covering 80 charter schools, authorizers routinely overlooked academic failures and other problems in order to extend the lives of schools that collectively pay them millions of dollars in fees each year for regulatory services. … In three out of four reviews, schools failed at least one important academic goal, often by large margins. Many of those schools also demonstrated significant weaknesses in financial management, board governance or operations. … The state Education Department, which checks each contract renewal for compliance with state law, finds problems with 80% of the renewals, records show. … [But] although MDE has the power to sanction authorizers for ‘unsatisfactory performance,’ it has never done so.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/403EbF4
MORE: The Star Tribune has also published a short summary of the extensive charter school evaluation report. SUMMARY: https://fluence-media.co/49PcCm6
MPS: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “One in five Minneapolis elementary classrooms exceeds class-size limits the district agreed to in a deal to end the 2022 teachers’ strike, according to a Sahan Journal analysis of Minneapolis Public Schools data. The district proposed larger class sizes last spring to help balance the budget in the face of a massive shortfall. But in recent weeks, parents have shown up at school board meetings to express their frustration with overcrowding.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41PapoK
MPLS: via AP News, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis has softened an ordinance that prohibited the obstruction of entrances and driveways to abortion clinics after anti-abortion activists sued to challenge it on free-speech grounds. The City Council this month quietly amended the ordinance to exclude constitutionally protected activities and agreed to pay the plaintiffs’ legal fees. Brian Gibson, chief executive officer of Pro-Life Action Ministries, said in an interview Friday that it amounted to an admission by the city that the law violated the freedom of speech. … Minneapolis was the only city in the state with such a rule.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3P75Ezx
ST PAUL: via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “The St. Paul Downtown Improvement District — which is on the verge of expanding across downtown in January — has hired a new general manager. Kris Zagyva, who has more than 20 years of experience in downtown improvement initiatives in other states, will manage the broad new district, overseeing its Clean and Safe street ambassador program and other new or enhanced public safety initiatives. Zagyva previously held leadership roles with [programs] in Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, Calif., as well as a similar program in Houston.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gLeZbU
PERMITTING REFORM FOR RESPONSIBLE INDUSTRIES: Jobs for Minnesotans is committed to advancing responsible industrial projects through a predictable, timely and transparent permitting process. Broad permitting reform for all responsible industries is essential to strengthening Minnesota’s communities and advancing our state’s clean energy future. (SPONSORED: Jobs for Minnesotans)
FEE BAN: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “As of Jan. 1, [2025], both individuals and businesses will not be allowed to advertise, display or offer a price for goods or services that does not include all mandatory fees or surcharges. … Government-imposed taxes, such as sales taxes, are not subject to the mandated disclosure requirements. Other exemptions include: fees authorized by law related to the purchase or lease of a motor vehicle that are charged by a motor vehicle dealer; fees added by a business or the business’ affiliate where either the business or the affiliate is regulated by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission; and fees, surcharges, or other costs associated with real estate settlement services.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3VQdpNX
RESPONSE: via a Hospitality Minnesota press release, VERBATIM: “A new Minnesota law that takes aim at service fees is a confusing, one-size-fits-all approach. … These service fees have been referred to by some as ‘junk fees’ and have been recklessly compared to excessive and obscure charges associated with ticket sales, live event tickets, and vacation rentals. However, Minnesota will be the first state to ban restaurant service fees. … This is expected to raise the cost of menu items, likely affecting consumers’ purchasing decisions.”
(DISCLOSURE: Hospitality Minnesota is a client of Fluence Advisory)
FATALITIES: via a DLI press release, VERBATIM: “A total of 70 fatal work-injuries were recorded in Minnesota in 2023 during the annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), down 10 from the 80 fatal work-injuries in 2022. Minnesota's 2023 fatal-injury rate is 2.5 fatalities per 100,000 full-time-equivalent workers, which dropped from the 2022 rate of 2.8. … [Nationwide], the fatal work-injury rate was 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 full-time-equivalent workers, down from 3.7 in 2022.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gQcrtg
MNSURE: via a MNsure press release, VERBATIM: “MNsure is pleased to report yet another new record for health insurance sign-ups in Minnesota. Between November 1 and the first deadline (December 18), 151,098 Minnesotans used MNsure.org to sign up for qualified health plans. This represents a 14% increase in private health plan sign-ups compared to the same time last year.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3VOArVm
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep.-Elect Kari Rehauer
Rep.-Elect Wayne Johnson
Rep. Elect Julie Greene
Rep. Elect Keith Allen
Rep. Elect Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
STILLWATER: via KARE 11, VERBATIM: “Behind the locked doors of Minnesota Correctional Facility Stillwater, change is happening. … Tito Campbell [is] the restorative justice specialist with the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The restorative justice program works to help change incarcerated individuals' mindsets, embracing that crime is something that affects all parties involved – the victim, the one who committed the crime, and the community. That mindset is one that they discuss with a group of 16 mentors, who work inside the prison as fellow members of the incarcerated population. … [Campbell] said the goal is to eventually add every facility in the DOC system, with mentors at every location.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fvqItZ
DULUTH: via Duluth News Tribune, VERBATIM: “After several years of student and community advocacy, Duluth Public Schools is finalizing plans for two solar projects on district property. In 2018, sixth grade students began urging the school board to incorporate renewable energy by pursuing a Solar for Schools Grant from the Minnesota Commerce Department. The Ordean Middle School students formed the Climate Club and then founded another Climate Club when they started at East High School. They’ve rallied students to speak at school board meetings and lobby local legislators.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PbuKNq
ROSEAU: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “A northern Minnesota airport with an unusual claim to fame is closing after 70 years of operation. The Piney-Pinecreek Border Airport near Roseau is the only airport with a paved runway crossing the U.S.-Canada border. The border airport opened in 1953…but declining usage and significant impending repair costs led to the decision to close the one of a kind operation, said Ryan Gaug, director of the Minnesota Department of Transportation aeronautics office. … The final day of operations for the Piney-Pinecreek airport is Dec. 26.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/406pqRJ
WILD ABOUT READING: More than 500 Minnesota classrooms and 15,000 students are participating in the “Wild About Reading” program, a partnership with Flint Hills Resources which encourages students to read more using Minnesota Wild-branded posters, reading logs and bookmarks. Teachers set weekly reading goals and give certificates to students who complete the four-week program. Fun program incentives include classroom visits from the Wild’s mascot, Nordy, and the team dog, Rookie; a pair of tickets to a Wild home game, player-signed pucks and photos; and a pizza party for a classroom. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/3O2nzH0 (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
FFrom Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
DNC: via Rolling Stone, VERBATIM: “Four candidates have declared their intention to compete for chair of the Democratic National Committee, but as the race heats up, an aggressively polite, exceedingly Midwestern cold war has broken out between factions backing the two state party chairs in the race: Ben Wikler of Wisconsin and Ken Martin of Minnesota. … But DNC chair is a position voted on by 448 party insiders, roughly one-quarter of whom are state chairs and vice chairs. Among that group [of] Wikler’s peers, the qualities that have made him a darling of the media — his prodigious fundraising ability, relationships with donors and celebrities, and messaging ability — have engendered resentments that could torpedo his bid to head the national party.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3PrMEMl
AG COMMITTEES: via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Minnesota farm groups are excited to see legislators from the state emerge as leaders in both the U.S. House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Minnesota Farmers Union president Gary Wertish says Ranking Members Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Angie Craig bring balance to their ag committees.” WERTISH: “I think it’s huge, and actually it provides a little more balance too because you have GT Thompson and Senator Boozman both from more of the south [and] east. Kind of brings back to mind when we had Collin Peterson as the chair of the [House] Ag Committee, he was able to balance the Midwest with the South.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3P2gTJj
LGBTQ: via NPR, VERBATIM: “The morning after Election Day, Kimmy Hull woke up to find that her inbox had been bombarded overnight. ‘There was over a hundred emails from people asking about our permit to carry classes,’ said Hull. Hull, a former private security guard who is also half-Asian and lesbian, has devoted herself to keeping communities of color and her LGBTQ neighbors safe in Minneapolis. Her company, Sequeerity, offers de-escalation services, community defense classes and firearms instruction. But Hull said the post-election surge in clients looking for gun training signals a new feeling of urgency.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49KJnRv
THEDAILYAGENDA: Every day, we’re sharing significant political, business and other news in your inbox and on our new website, The Daily Agenda. If you love morning take, sign up for the other Fluence tip sheets and share our web content with your friends. SIGNUP: https://fluence-media.co/4eZwLa7
TODAY: Governor Tim Walz has no public events scheduled.
JAN 2: morning take and other Fluence newsletters will return after a holiday break.
JAN 14: The Minnesota Legislature will begin its 2025 session.
BDAYS: GOP insider Dan Johnson, NFIB’s Brianna Erickson, DFL operative Marissa Luna, GL’s Matthew Michalski, researcher Michael Brodkorb, public affairs guy Ryan Kelly, House DFL staffer Amanda Rudolph. Canadian Consulate’s Joel Wessman Other BDAYS over the next week… hockey mom and attorney Kelly Eull, insurance guy Mike Nelson, advocate Irene Folstrom, movie guy Tim Lammers, CD1 GOP leader Aaron Farris, WCCO Radio’s Susie Jones, car wash guy Cory Kampschroer, fmr. St. Paul City Councilor Jane Prince, public affairs pro Kevin Morris, KFAN’s Brandon Mileski, real estate leader Jeff Hornig, ranger Aaron Brown, realtor Zach Strouts, radio guy Al Travis lobbyist Meredith Beeson, Scott County’s Barb Brekke, MBP’s Abby Loesch
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