Politics

Republicans Look To Minnesota For House Pick Ups

Kerry Picket Political Reporter
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Republicans have set eyes on two Minnesota open seats carried overwhelmingly by Donald Trump in 2016.

In Minnesota’s 8th  and 1st Congressional Districts, several Democratic candidates are facing off with one another in both races.  In Minnesota’s 8th district, Politico reports infighting among Democrats motivated President Trump to ask Republican St. Louis County Commissioner Pete Stauber to run for that seat.

The rural district, currently represented by Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan who announced his retirement this year, has Democratic primary candidates fighting over whether to support coal mining or environmental stances.

In Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, six Democrats are running in the primary. The current seat holder, Democratic Rep. Tim Walz, is running for governor of the state. Trump carried 53 percent of this district compared to Hillary Clinton’s 38 percent.

Minnesota Public Radio reports local Democrats are upset with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

“There is kind of an establishment big-money component to all of this, and the more I think about it the more motivated I get to run,” candidate Adam Jennings told MPR News.

The DCCC seems to be throwing support behind candidates with the ability to raise money. The party’s online fundraising machine took in $50 million earlier this month following their last special election win in Pennsylvania, CNN reported.

President Trump sees opportunities in Minnesota and plans to visit the state prior to the mid-terms. He last visited the state for a rally right before the November 2016.

Nolan’s and Walz’s seat are among 36 targeted by the NRCC.

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