Government & Politics
Republicans begin push for voter ID law even after voters rejected it in 2012
Minnesota Senate Republicans, defending a narrow 35-32 majority in the November election, signaled a major push for a new voter ID law in the upcoming legislative session that begins Feb. 11. Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, a Nisswa Republican, released a video on social media channels Friday saying the caucus will advocate hard for a law […]
It’s on: Sen. Susan Kent is challenging Sen. Tom Bakk for DFL leader
The Senate DFL caucus is nearing what could be a bruising leadership battle — and potentially its first woman leader. State Sen. Susan Kent, DFL-Woodbury, is challenging Minority Leader Tom Bakk of Cook, in a leadership election that will take place Feb. 1, according to an email Kent sent to the caucus and obtained by […]
Lewis stumps for blocking refugee resettlement in Bemidji
BEMIDJI — On the campaign trail for a U.S. Senate seat, Jason Lewis made a stop in Bemidji Thursday night to host a discussion many here say they wish they weren’t having at all: refugee resettlement. The topic has been a flash point since the Beltrami County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to not accept […]
DFL Party Chair calls on Legislature to protect voter data in upcoming presidential primary
This post has been updated. DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin on Thursday called on the Legislature to change the state’s presidential primary law to protect voter information, including party affiliation. With the state’s first presidential primary in nearly three decades just 40 days away, privacy concerns have emerged among voters who fear their political affiliations […]
Coolican: Amy Klobuchar and the scourge of the bullying boss
Sen. Amy Klobuchar shared the endorsement of The New York Times with Sen. Elizabeth Warren this week, one of several events indicating a wisp of momentum for our senior senator. Her legendary work ethic — which has taken her to all 99 Iowa counties in a replay of her approach here in Minnesota — seems […]
Minnesota is projected to lose a seat in Congress. Here’s why that’s a huge deal
WASHINGTON — Minnesota is projected to lose a U.S. House seat in the coming years, new data show — a change that would diminish the state’s influence in national politics and could lead to less money for federally funded projects and services like roads and health care. The North Star State is one of 10 […]
Daily Reformer: Warsame leaving the council? Trouble at DHS
Good afternoon! Toddler got a double ear infection so you’re getting your Daily Reformer during his nap. Let it be an epic nap! The mess gets messier: Dept. of Human Services CFO Alexandra Kotze is leaving to become CFO of Ramsey County. Last day Feb. 7. Recall this Star Tribune story from November: “The Minnesota […]
Daily Reformer: Happy MLK Day
Good morning and happy MLK Jr. Day. Government is closed for the day, but Daily Reformer is not. Gov. Tim Walz was at the 30th Annual MLK Holiday Breakfast at the Armory in Minneapolis this morning and then will host the 34th Annual MLK Day Celebration at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in […]
D’oh! Wisconsin beat us last time in Census participation. Come on Minnesotans!
Bad news, Minnesota: Wisconsin has us beat on Census participation last time. Take consolation in the fact that at least they didn’t best us by much. Wisconsin had the nation’s highest participation rate in 2010; 82% of households mailed back the Census questionnaire, compared to 81% in Minnesota. Minnesota was thoroughly embarrassed in 2000, when […]
Minneapolis council member tries for top job at Housing Authority
City Council Member Abdi Warsame, Ward 6, is interviewing for the top job at the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, according to a staff member in Warsame’s office. If offered the position, Warsame would not be able to keep his seat on the council. His current term doesn’t end until 2022, so he would need to […]
Eagan police arrested their own Mayor Mike Maguire for driving drunk
Is there something about the winter doldrums of January that compels Minnesota mayors to drive drunk? Eagan police arrested their city’s mayor, Michael John Maguire, 52, on Jan. 11 after responding to reports that his sport-utility vehicle was stuck in a snowbank near the intersection of Dakota Path and Shadow Creek Curve, KARE 11 reported […]
Rep. Dean Phillips: Clean up our campaign finance system
Editor’s note: Tuesday is the 10th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. When I speak to groups visiting Washington, D.C. or to my constituents back home as I travel around my west metro district, I often start by telling them something that most find surprising: I love my job. This usually […]