MN House: Ginny Klevorn in 44A

From her website:

Care for our Seniors:

- Promote policies that protect seniors’ ability to live independently in their homes

- Protect the ability to retire with dignity and peace of mind

- Prepare for growing senior population through development and training of qualified in-home care

Here are some examples of what Rep. Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth) has been up to in the lege:

- Fighting against workplace protections for women;

- Helping out the predatory payday loan industry;

- Promoting right-wing gerrymandering.

You get the picture. Fanatical and power-crazed. This seat’s overdue to flip.

MN House: Amir Malik in 37B

From his website:

The number one cause of bankruptcy in America is medical expenses. Healthcare needs to be affordable for Minnesotans. While there are great programs like MinnesotaCare, more needs to be done. A healthy workforce is a productive, tax-paying workforce. Healthy children are better able to focus on achieving academically.

As for Rep. Nolan West (R-Blaine):

In fall 2016, after 21 months as a legislative aide, West, then 25, was running for an open seat representing Blaine in the Minnesota House.

That September, City Pages ran a story about West’s years-long history of racist and homophobic social media diatribes. There were posts about the Confederacy (loved it), Abe Lincoln (“worst president”), and “fagballs.”

On the eve of Barack Obama’s 2008 election, he wrote, “IT’S LYNCHING TIME.”

The next day, West was out of a job... but still on the ballot and suddenly regretful for “insensitive material” that didn’t “reflect who I am or what I believe.”

Enough of Blaine’s voters either bought this mea culpa or didn’t know about it. That November, West beat retired school teacher Susan Witt by less than 1 percent. - City Pages

A relevant item of interest is a recent study of the electoral effects of bigoted, anti-Muslim rhetoric and activity, discussed and linked here. I don’t know whether West’s campaign has been doing that, but there’s certainly plenty of it in the Minnesota Party of Trump in general.

MN House: Bill Vikander in 35A

From his website:

I promise to speak up for every citizen in our district and in our state, no matter who they are, where they're from, or where they're going.  We must close the gender wage gap.  We must have an honest conversation about race and how racism still impacts each and every Minnesotan and American.  We must remember our history and embrace immigrants once again--not turn them away out of fear or politics.  We must support a woman's right to make her own reproductive health care decisions.  We must act with urgency, clarity, and purpose to meet the challenge of climate change and preserve Minnesota's natural resources for generations to come.

These are not "progressive" or "conservative" values.  They are human values, born of basic kindness and decency.  They are Minnesota values.  

This is the seat vacated by Abigail Whelan, who left the legislature to walk Christ’s path in other ways. Nothing wrong with that, if you ask me, as long as those who “walk Christ’s path” don’t try to force their own interpretation of that onto the rest of us. Which Whelan certainly did. And the GOP candidate here, John Heinrich, is casting himself as Whelan's worthy successor.

Tough district? Absolutely. But whenever someone talks to me about tough districts, this cycle, I use a five-word rejoinder (actually, four words and a letter): “Sen. Doug Jones (D-Alabama).”

MN House: Hunter Cantrell in 56A

From his website:

 Year after year, Minnesota's state legislature has continued to push through bills in the dead of night that deal with billions of our tax-payer dollars during the final hours of the legislative session. Minnesotans deserve to have the opportunity to give feedback on the policies that affect us. I want to put an end to the practice of passing important bills that no one has had the chance to read by requiring that all state budget targets to be established 14 days before the end of the legislative session, and be made open to public testimony before coming to a vote.

Special interest groups ranging from the pharmaceutical industry to the tobacco companies continue to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars every year to buy influence over our state government. I believe politics is about serving the needs of people in our communities over the needs of the special interest groups. I am committed to reducing the ability of special interest groups to buy power and exert influence over policy-makers at the expense of the people of Minnesota.

Rep. Drew Christensen (R-Savage) got attention when he first ran, and won, in 2014 because he was all of 21 years old at the time. In the lege he’s been a cipher. This is a supremely flippable seat.

MN House: Lori Ann Clark in 21A

From her website:

Investments in public education are especially vital to rural communities who want new families to move to their towns. Our state funding solutions need to be sufficient, steady, and reliable so rural schools can create the educational opportunities our students require to learn and succeed.

To compete in this ever-changing world, Lori Ann supports a strong cradle-to-grave public education system that starts with pre-school readiness and continues with occupational retraining options to keep workers skilled and working. 

We need to support our public education teachers and their rights to organize and collectively bargain.

This is the seat that Tim Kelly left after well-publicized, adulterous involvement with then-fellow legislator Tara Mack. Rep. Barb Haley (R-Red Wing) has not sought legislative prominence, so far. From what I saw she appears to be somewhat “moderate,” with moderate in quotes because it’s entirely relative to the raving, bigoted insanity of the contemporary Party of Trump. A DFLer like Clark in this seat would be far, far better.

MN House: Alice Mann in 56B

From her website:

An older gentleman recently came to see me in clinic, someone I’ve gotten to know well over the years. As we discussed his medications, he told me that because of the high cost, he had been rationing them, taking them every other day. When it comes to medical care, no one should have to choose between their health and the ability to pay their heating bill.

I believe that everyone should have access to affordable care.

I have experienced what healthcare looks like in developing nations without proper care, and I have experienced what it looks like here in our backyard. I have also been fortunate enough to study at some of the best medical programs in the country. I am not interested in parroting partisan talking points. I am interested in creating policy that can bring real solutions.

Rep. Roz Peterson (R-Lakeville) appears to well know that she’s in a swing district, and has on occasion done, or at least proclaimed, the "centrist" thing. (More here.) But she is absolutely a devoted member of the Party of Traitor Trump, and needs to go.

MN House: Shelly Christensen in 39B

From her website:

By the year 2020 the population of seniors in Minnesota will be just under 1 million. Seniors will be the largest share of population state wide. There will be more seniors in 2035 than there will be school children. Seniors are dependent on affordable healthcare, including common sense prescription pricing. They will require sound transportation systems to improve mobility and more access to home-care. Shelly supports substantial investment to ensure that our seniors have adequate support services. There is a growing need for personal care assistants, adult day care services, medical supplies and equipment and customized living spaces that allow seniors to stay in the home.

This district isn’t that red, and it’s unfortunate that Rep. Kathy Lohmer (R-Stillwater) keeps getting reelected. She got off on the wrong foot, way back in 2012, with "Car-Wrap Gate," among other things, but has since then pursued her religious-right obsessions in the legislature in a more low-key way. Except for being part of the "Muslims are infiltrating our caucuses" thing, which actually seems to be a bigot badge of honor in the MN GOP, right now.

MN House: Mindy Kimmel in 16B

Very tough district, but, why not? The past couple of years’ worth of special elections nationwide shows that nothing’s out of reach. From Kimmel's website:

Mindy Kimmel was inspired to run for political office in 2017 after attending the Women's March in St. Paul. After considering, "What can I do next," it became clear that the best way was to pursue a run for office. She seeks common ground solutions for the challenges rural communities face.

Rep. Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska) doesn’t have much to say about the issues, on his website. As he’s a farmer it certainly seems that he should rethink some of his views, given how Traitor Trump is screwing farmers. But it looks like he hasn’t, and likely won’t.

MN House: Renee Cardarelle in 29A

From her website:

In a Democracy all people should feel that they are represented in our government. For women this means that at least 50% of our governing bodies should include women.

However, the Minnesota legislative body is not equally represented. Less than 30% of the Minnesota State Legislators are women.

In the US Legislative body it is even more bleak: Twenty-three women (17D, 6R) serve in the United States Senate in the 115th Congress. Of these 23, four are women of color. 

For people with disabilities it is even more bleak. Although 600,000 individuals with disabilities live in Minnesota or about 11% of the population*, they most certainly do not make up 11% of the Legislature. 

Our founding fathers had a vision for a society that was equal in its operation. Equality is an absolute necessity in a Democracy and one which we must fight for!

What caught my eye about this one is the series of events the Cardarelle campaign is doing. Kind of a different approach, in a tough district.

I’ve never seen much about Rep. Joe McDonald (R-Delano). From his issues page:

We all must work resolutely to defend the high ground of Americas founding principles based on Judean Christian values of Life, Liberty and property.

Tells you about all you need to know, doesn’t it?

MN House: Steve Sandell in 53B

From his website:

Every student should be able to attend a school that is safe, nurturing and stimulating, where he or she can learn the habits of respect, cooperation, and academic success. Our schools are being squeezed by rising costs and increased responsibilities. Equal access to a satisfying and competitive education has become the victim. Our public schools should not have to depend on repeated referendum, fund raisers, or fees and contributions to meet their budgets. That only increases disparities between districts and individual classrooms. In addition, legislators should encourage regular discussions among school boards and their unions to make contract negotiations a more respectful and productive exchange. 

Rep. Kelly Fenton (R-Woodbury) hasn’t been in the legislature for long, but is already Assistant Majority Leader. Presumably that’s because she was previously deputy chair of the MN GOP. The issues section of her website is oh-so-careful, and certainly doesn't brag up the party affiliation with the repugnant buffoon in the White House. Now that I think about it, no MN GOP candidate's website, that I've seen, does do that. This is a highly flippable seat.

MN House: Jonathan Isenor in 21B

From his website:

Compassion programs such as domestic violence advocacy centers, non-profits that connect therapeutic animals to veterans, suicide hotlines, meals on wheels, developmental achievement centers, and services that educate youth on alcohol and substance abuse (to name a few) need support from the state. In our rural communities we take care of each other the best we can but these non-profit organizations are necessary and important to help those in our community who are struggling.

It is the responsibility of those who have a voice to help those who do not.

Tough district, but no legislator in Minnesota is more deserving of getting his political butt kicked than Rep. Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa). Ever since getting into the lege he’s been among the worst. Last session his big thing was trying everything he could to screw workers. Currently he’s part of some bogus attack on Ilhan Omar - shocking, that the Draz would be part of the Islamophobe bigot brigade in a desperate, and probably doomed, effort to preserve the MN GOP House majority.

MN House: John Huot in 57B

From his website:

Most importantly, I value workers. As a former union member and labor leader, I know that collective bargaining agreements improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for ALL Minnesotans. The types of jobs Minnesotans will have in the future may require that workers possess new skills. I will champion legislation that assists workers in acquiring the qualities and traits to be successful in our changing economy.

Rep. Anna Wills (R-Rosemount) has never said or done anything to draw headlines, that I could find. But her website actually has a legitimate issues page (most Minnesota GOPers‘ websites don‘t, that I‘ve seen), and based on that she is a fervent right-winger. (What's quoted below, for example, does not accord with the facts.) And this is exactly the sort of district in which Democrats are expected to do well, this cycle.

Minnesota has always been recognized for our world-class quality health care system. The implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) here in Minnesota, known as MNSure, has shown to be a disaster and threatens to undo our world-class quality. I support repeal of the ACA and MNSure, and I support reforms such as free-market competition, vouchers, and health savings accounts to make health care more affordable and accessible while ensuring that consumers remain in control of their own health care decisions.

MN House: Thomas Trehus in 28B

From his website:

Growing up on my family's 5th generation farm, I know the importance of supporting agriculture. The farm economy is integral to Southeast Minnesota and as a representative of Houston and Fillmore counties I will work tirelessly for family farms and well-paying careers. 

Agriculture is one of the main economic drivers of our region. In order to continue our success we must reverse the trend of fewer and fewer farmers on fewer individual farms. Family farms, like the one I grew up on, are key to the economic viability of our region. Let's make sure land is accessible to young farmers and young families who want to make a decent living, while caring for the land in a way that would make our grandchildren proud. 

Long-serving (serving the rich man, that is) Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston) chairs the House Tax Committee. He was the primary force behind the 2017 tax bill, passed into law using a gutless and  unconscionable “poison pill” strategy, to potentially disastrous effect. This district is not very red, and is it ever past time for him to go.

MN House: Ami Wazlawik in 38B

For some cycles past, Matt Dean held this seat. He left to go for a barely-a-blip-on-the-radar campaign for governor. From Wazlawik's website:

Since high school I have worked in public schools in some capacity. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting numerous teachers, staff, and volunteers over the years and have been inspired by their passion and dedication to educating and supporting our children.

I’ve also seen firsthand the struggles and difficulties facing our students, families, and school staff. Students who aren’t reading at grade level struggle to keep up with their classmates; parents struggle to balance the demands of work and family life; staff grow frustrated with the amount of time spent on testing and insufficient support services for students who need them most. Minnesota continues to have a large and stubborn achievement gap which must be addressed in order to ensure that all Minnesotans have access to the opportunities that education can provide.

As your state representative I will work to address these problems by supporting efforts to expand access to early education opportunities, increase funding for school support services and literacy programs, and encourage schools to provide wraparound services to students and families. In higher education, I will push for policies that make college more accessible and affordable for all Minnesota families.

The Republican here is Patti Anderson. She was State Auditor from 2003-7. If you didn't remember that, well, neither did I. And of course conservatives don't think the Auditor's office should even exist.

Her website doesn't have any kind of comprehensive issues section. Just very generic 1-2 sentence remarks on some matters. I have a feeling I'm going to be seeing a lot of that on Republican websites, as they try to disguise their deeply unpopular positions on issues (especially women's issues), and the closeness of their views with those of "President" Trump.

MN House: Emy Minzel in 15A

This race is begging to be won by a DFLer. I know that because Gail Kulick did in fact win in 2008, and Joe Walsh very nearly did in 2012. From Minzel's website:

Taxpayer dollars should support people, not corporate subsidies and tax breaks. Slashing taxes simply to appease special interest groups and political partisans is irresponsible. Taxpayer dollars must be used with clear oversight and in the best interest of the State as a whole and our District in particular.

I live in 15A. Except for the blissful two years referenced above, “my” representative has been Sondra Erickson (R-Princeton). Given my personal interest in this matter I used to blog about her now and then, but I’ve stopped because, what’s the point? Nothing ever changes with her vintage 1980 right-wing views, and there is no indication that anything ever will, even if she lives to be 150.

Though they may mean well in their way, conservatives simply cannot govern well, or even competently, in a complex, changing world. They just don’t have what it takes, “upstairs,” if you know what I mean. They’re too cognitively rigid and unwilling to even try to reason from fact. And Rep. Erickson is a perfect example. It’s long past time for a change.