News Releases
Klobuchar Makes Formal & Expected Announcement for Governor
National & Minnesota Report
It appears Minnesotan’s will be seeing a lot more of US Senator Amy Klobuchar in the coming months since she has made her formal announcement to be a candidate for Governor. She is the DFL’s best proven performer statewide, despite the adverse impact of Donald J Trump (R) and what we call the Trump Effect. In her four mite video announcement she lays out why she is the right person, at the right time, for this position.
https://x.com/i/status/2016843854054641696
In each of her elections every six years, she has outpaced all other candidates in any party and for any office.
Year |
% |
2006 |
58.06 |
2012 |
65.23 |
2018 |
60.31 |
2024 |
56.20 |
She enters the race without any adverse impact oln the issue of fraud, which drove Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) from running for an unprecedents third term for office. But if elected the selection of her own successor for the vacated seat could pose a significant challenge to her first decision while in office. We will again remind people about the 1978 Minnesota Massacre, which hinged on the idea of the Governor’s CHoice seeming to be an orchestrated affair..
The expectation among Democrats, DFLers is that Klobuchar will continue her proven track record. Has name recognition far and above any other candidate in the field Democrat, Republican, Freedom/Independence Party or Independent Candidate. They believe she will continue the trend started after 2014 where no Republican has been elected statewide.
The issue of ICE,and the Border Patrol will be front and center in this election and the strength of the Governor’s Office to fight these occupation forces and a pushbash against Donald J Trump will be paramount to her showing her strength and the state sovereign rights we have and how those extend to our citizens.
The shift change from CBP Commander Greg Bovino to Border Czar Tom Holman reminds one of the Who song Won’t Get Fooled Again specifically the line, “Meet the New Boss Same as the Old Boss.”
ICE in St Paul and Too Close to Home
National & Minnesota Report
Trump, Noem and Bovino Chalk Up 2nd Minneapolis Murder.
National & Minnesota Report
As was the case with Renée Nicole Good two weeks prior, Alex Pretti did not need to die, and his actions clearly seen in the video of his last moments were in now way in any form cause for the surround ICE agents to draw weapons and shoot him as he lay in the street. He came to the aid of a woman, of whom an ICE agent shoved to the curb and fell down. They sprayed something in his face, then threw him down to the street, and six cowards began pummeling him. One drew his piston from his belt and scuttled away like it was a prize.
The group of thugs then drew weapons and shot the unarmed man at least 10 times. This is not law enforcement, it is abject murder. We witnessed with our own eyes, unjustifiable homicide.
The unjustified end of Pretti’s life means, his care and compassion as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA will not continue and has enjoyment of the outdoors will come to a close. This man had value and meaning and did not warrant being gunned down in the street.
What followed his death were attempts to denigrate and sully his name and his purpose. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called him a Domestic Terrorist as did Deputy Chief of Staff Steven Miller.
The Noem’s initial statements made by were, “An individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. She then added, “the suspect was “brandishing” a firearm.” Which is a boldfaced lie. Anyone who is not deluded can see, the only thing ever seen in Pretti’s hand was a cellphone.
Then she said, “This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and kill law enforcement.” Which, as a law abiding Conceal and Carry permit holder, the carrying of a loaded firearm and an additional magazine does not establish any form of intent to inflict maximum damage. The attempt to spin this narrative into turning Pretti into a domestic terrorist is disgusting.
Third, as we witness the ICE agents beat him, Noem said, “The officers attempted to disarm this individual, but the armed suspect reacted violently.” Yes, the held him down, punched and kicked him and then one drew his gun from the holster.
Finally, “Fearing for his life and the lives of his fellow officers around him, an agent fired defensive shots.” Really, fearing for their lives from a man they just disarmed and then shot him dead.
CBP Commander Greg Bovino said during his press conference, “The suspect was assaulting ICE officers.” Which is no evident from any of the video footage. According to Bovino being there was his own fault and carying a weapon had its own consequences. As he said on CNN, Bovino implies, Pretti’s mere presence of being on scene and recording the actions of the ICE agents was how, “The suspect decided to injected himself into a law enforcement action.”
This makes two killings of two Caucasian law abiding citizens, when the purpose of ICE in Minnesota is to root out the bad illegal immigrants, worst of the worst. Why is it each incident is followed by a Federal cover-up because ICE agents as “according to Vice President JD Vance and Bovino these ICE officials are supposedly afforded complete immunity.”
Whatever they are trying to hide isn’t very well hidden, thanks to the number of cellphones also providing visual evidence to combat the federal government’s lies. The old adage of if you lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas is so true. Those in bed with Donald J Trump (R) mark history through offering up the same lies, misrepresentations and attempts to get people to fail to believe what they see for themselves. The Trump Administration is rife with liars willing to lie to protect all of their ilk.
As Trump Touted His One-Year Hit Parade, He Sounded Subpar and Utterly Delusional, Obsessed, While Spouting Unfounded “Facts” Better Stated as Lies.
International, National & Minnesota
Last week, in the press conference, announced as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Jan 20, 2026, Donald J Trump (R) took center stage and spent 167 minutes in a rambling, in a screed/rant ticking off his accomplishments of the first year of his second term. His unabashed look at what I have done moment, was akin to a celebration of a child’s first bowel moment.
He initially, showed a stack photos of people arrested in Minnesota dubbed the Worst of the Worst, he identified as “Murders, and Drug Dealers”. As he called attention to each assertion, he again, repeated the same lines over and over, just as someone with dementia would at the dinner table. He frequently, misspoke calling Greenland, Iceland, which is another example of his mental deficiency. It must be the reality of his being a Carny, a Pitchman, Con Artist and using the tried and true process of if you say the same thing multiple times someone will eventually listen, and believe you. Where there’s smoke there’s fire. Problem is this is the President of the United States, the strongest country in the world and what he says does matter.
We have repeatedly said, this is Bizarro World, where everything is backward, chaotic, or opposite to how it should be.
As he targets our state, disparages Somalians universally, and specifically Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-05MN). He continues his one man show. He is unhinged, constantly self-promoting and successfully maintains his “Watch Me Moment.”
While showing the photos Trump spewed the following, “These are just in Minnesota. In California. It’s worse. In other states, it’s worse. Now, Minnesota, the crime is incredible. The financial crimes are incredible. And the problem is because of the agitators and insurrectionists, whatever you want, troublemakers, but they’re paid agitators and insurrectionists. Nobody talks about the fact that $19 billion, at a minimum, is missing in Minnesota. Given to a large degree by Somalians, they’ve taken it. Somalians, can you imagine? And they don’t do it. A lot of very low IQ people, they don’t do it. Other people work it out, and they get them money and they go out and buy Mercedes-Benzes. And they come from here.
They have no money. They never had money. They never had a life. They never had a government. They never had a country because there’s basically no country. Somalia’s not even a country. They don’t have anything that resembles a country. And if it is a country, it’s considered just about the worst in the world.
They come here and they become rich and they don’t have a job. I was told that Ilhan Omar is worth $30 million. She never had a job. She’s a crooked congressman. So here it’s another one.”
Then we believe he is continuing to refer to Ilhan Omar, “Came out of Somalia, a really corrupt place. It’s not a country. They don’t have government, they don’t have anything. I always hate to see this, Ilhan Omar, she comes from Somalia, a backward country, probably the worst country. They say it’s the worst country in the world. If it’s a country. I don’t even think it’s a country. There’s no organization. They don’t have police. They don’t have military. They don’t have anything, they just have people running around, killing each other, and trying to pirate ships. But she’ll come here, comes, and then she wants to tell us how to run our country, “The Constitution says that I am entitled to this.” I can’t stand her.”
As we sit and watch this bravado of unmitigated self-promotion, the only question that is brought to mind is, “How long with this go on?” The answer is simple “Three More Years.”
Yes, T-minus 1089 days. Its like the Doomsday Clock. https://presidentialtermclock.com/
Lasting Images of Trump’s Minnesota ICE Occupation
National & Minnesota Report
Before the killing of Alex Pretti, the searing images of the ICE Occupation of Minnesota consisted of the (video) of Renée Nicole Good prior to her shooting, the forced march of 56-year old ChongLy Scott Thao, handcuffed and wearing only white Crocs, blue boxer shorts and a small checkered baby blanket on his shoulders being perp walked to the awaiting vehicle in Saint Paul (video)and lastly of 5-year old Liam Conejo Ramos wearing a blue bunny hat and a Spider man backpack in Columbia Heights. This is what the Donald J Trump’s ICE Occupation of the Twin Cities looks like.
56 Days of Minnesota’s Occupation
National & Minnesota
As the temperature remains below freezing and the occupation of ICE in Minnesota continues it’s chilling effect, the decisions by the Orange Faced Imbecile (Donald J Trump) and Combat Barbie (Kristie Noem) have a profoundly adverse impact on the safety and security of our state.
Since they commenced, Operation Metro Surge and thousands of ICE and Homeland Security agents have descended upon the Twin Cities, the lives of our immigrant populations have experienced an upheaval. People of color, who where traditional dress or do not look like people of European ancestry are accosted on the street, in stores or even in their homes and hassled for “Their Papers”, like this is Germany in the 1930’s.
As Trump continues to spout lies, which are unchallenged, as the Republican Congress continues to allow him to act with impunity, and the rest of America waits for the US Supreme Court to curtail him in anyway possible, we all hold our collective breath.
When we think of Trump, these words come first to mind and are virtually interchangeable. Bully, Autocrat, Despot, Dictator, Fascist, Imperialist, Totalitarian, Tyrant, and overall Oppressor.
Definition of an Oppressor-someone who imposes unjust burdens, laws, or unreasonable severity on others, using power cruelly or harshly to keep them controlled, often referring to a tyrant, dictator, or authority figure who treats people with undue hardship or exploitation, rather than just a leader.
Trumps Obsession with Greenland is Ironic
International, National & Minnesota Report
Speaking at Davos, Switzerland, Donald J Trump (R) said, “We’re asking for a piece of ice, its a small ask.” saying, “we should have kept it after World War II.” He seemed to be trying to convince anyone who was listening, that it would be a good thing for you to give me what I want in a veiled threat fashion.
President Trump Delivers a Special Address to the World Economic Forum
Later he starts a screed again Trump also criticizing wind energy—a familiar target which he calls a part of the “new green scam”.
Interestingly, he called out China, claiming, in spite of the fact it has maintained the highest production and installation of active wind-generators for the last 15-years, he is unable to find ” any wind farms in China.” This is easily disputed by satellite images. Gansu, China has one of the largest wind farms in the world.
China generates more wind energy than any other country, Its statistics show that in 2024 China generated 997 terawatt-hours from wind. More than double the US capacity in second place.
Why we find this ironic is the Arctic icecap is melting at a better than 10% annual rate due to global warming/climate change. Meaning, Trump’s obsession against the Green New Deal, withdrawn from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement (2015) make the US an outlier. The fixation on oil and gas especially now after the extraction of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela and US control of its oil assets.
Trump’s Apparent Pullback
Recent reports are after a sharp response from NATO leaders and the world market, Trump has seemed to have pulled back and is willing to accept the US ability to restore its significant presence on the island, which ended in 1992. The ability to mine rare earth minerals is also an available option, but the depth of the ice on Greenland will provide significant challenge, and removing it will add to climate change.
America Is a Republic of Aspiration, Not Cynicism
International, National & Minnesota Report
America was not founded on cynicism, grievance, or domination. It was founded on a radical moral claim: human dignity precedes power. The Declaration of Independence states that “all men are created equal… endowed… with certain unalienable Rights… Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” and that “Governments… derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.” These are not transactional clauses. They are aspirational moral commitments, asserting that legitimacy flows upward from the people, not downward from force.
The US Constitution reinforces this ethic. Its Preamble commits the nation “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility…” not through fear, but through shared responsibility and restraint. The Constitution presumes humility in power. It exists not to glorify authority, but to limit it.
The Statue of Liberty, bearing Emma Lazarus’s The New Colossus—“Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, / The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. / Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, / I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” —stands as America’s moral invitation to the world. It is not an emblem of dominance. It is a declaration of welcome rooted in shared humanity.
Against this moral architecture stands a starkly different vision. In a January 8, 2026 interview with The New York Times, discussing Venezuela and Greenland, Donald J. Trump asserted that the only limit on his power was “my own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me,” adding that he saw no need for international law to govern his actions. This is not rhetorical excess. It is a governing philosophy that elevates personal judgment above constitutions, treaties, courts, and democratic norms.
For a republic grounded in consent, law, and restraint, this assertion is profoundly alarming. Democratic governance does not rest on the self-assessed morality of a single individual. The American system was designed precisely because unchecked self-belief is dangerous. Power restrained by law is liberty; power restrained only by ego is autocracy.
Moral Turpitude: A Deeper Ethical Failure
Moral turpitude refers to conduct that violates fundamental standards of right and wrong. It encompasses fraud, deception, and gross misconduct. It is not about ideology; it is about character.
Trump’s public record reflects this pattern:
- Habitual dishonesty: Tens of thousands of false or misleading statements documented during his presidency.
- Legal adjudications: Conviction in People v. Trump for falsifying business records related to hush-money payments.
- Rejection of democratic outcomes: Efforts to overturn the 2020 election, culminating in the January 6 attack on the Capitol and federal charges alleging conspiracy to defraud the United States.
These are not isolated events. They reveal a sustained willingness to subordinate truth, law, and democratic norms to personal interest.
Trump’s Cynical Vision of America
Where the founders spoke of consent, Trump’s rhetoric demands submission. Where America aspired to justice, he normalizes impunity. Where liberty once welcomed the vulnerable, he demonizes them. His dismissal of international law reflects a worldview in which strength and personal will replace institutional checks.
This is not abstract. In the same interview, Trump spoke casually about military action and territorial ambition without acknowledging the legal or ethical frameworks that traditionally govern such decisions. The implication is clear: power answers to him, not to law.
Law Enforcement and Moral Authority
It must be stated plainly these times are not in the midst of a antithetical Morality Play: legality does not equal morality. Authority does not sanctify abuse. The rule of law depends on transparent, impartial enforcement—not selective retaliation or immunity for allies. When leaders attack judges, prosecutors, juries, and courts unless outcomes favor them, they corrode justice at its foundation.
A justice system without ethical restraint becomes an instrument of domination. That is the opposite of republican government.
The Seven Deadly Sins as an Ethical Lens are Embodied byTrump
Though not a legal code, this classical framework offers a useful moral lens:
- Pride: Persistent claims of unique infallibility and superiority.
- Greed: Blurring public service with private gain.
- Wrath: Vindictive rhetoric toward opponents, journalists, and institutions.
- Envy: Obsession with praise, crowd sizes, and perceived slights.
- Lust: Credible allegations and statements reflecting contempt for consent and dignity.
- Gluttony: Indulgence in spectacle and chaos over disciplined governance.
- Sloth: Rejection of expertise, briefings, and responsibility during crises.
Together, these patterns reflect ethical neglect, not leadership.
America Is More Than This
America is imperfect, but it remains aspirational. Trump’s leadership does not elevate the nation toward its ideals; it drags it toward cynicism and unrestrained power. The founders envisioned a republic that bends toward justice—not one that celebrates dominance backed by fear or force.
The Statue of Liberty lifts a lamp, not a clenched fist. The moral test of leadership is not power retained or fleets deployed, but values preserved.
America deserves better—not because it is flawless, but because it still believes in something higher than fear, coercion, and the blunt power of the cudgel or the Atlantic Fleet.
What Domino Theory in Minnesota Could Look Like
National & Minnesota
As Republicans salivate over the prospects of Governor Tim Walz (DFL) resigning his office, which we highly doubt will happen, if this were to occur, it could have interesting implications not dissimilar to 1978 which is often referred to as the “Minnesota Massacre’.
For comparison, in 1978, Republicans won both US Senate seats (Rudy Boschwitz and Dave Durenburger) the Governorship (Al Quie), and the state House saw its first tie. These victories stemmed mainly from Governor Wendell (Wendy) Anderson’s (DFL) resignation and his appointment by the elevated Lt Governor Rudy Perpich (DFL) to the US Senate seat made vacant by the 1976 election of Walter Mondale (D) as Vice-President to President Jimmy Carter (D).
Republicans cried foul, due to Anderson’s effective self-appointment by Perpich. Perpich appointed Murel Humphrey to the seat made vacant in January of 1978 after the death of her husband Hubert H Humphrey II (D-MN). In turn, Bob Short (DFL-MN) prevailed over former Congressman and Minneapolis Mayor Don Fraser (DFL-MN) in a contentious Primary mainly fought over guns and abortion. Both Anderson and Short were seeking to fill out the balance of the respective terms, and each lost, Anderson to Boschwitz and Short to Durenburger.
Perpich lost to Congressman Al Quie (R-MN01). The State House was split 67-67 for the first time in state history.
If and this again is a big IF, Walz were to resign, and with a tied House already in place, it would mean Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL-MN) would be elevated to Governor, and Senate President Bobby Jo Champion (DFL-59, Minneapolis) would become Lt Governor. This situation could impact Flanagan’s bid for the US Senate in her contest with Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN02) and potentially upend this contest. Here a seriously interesting wrinkle could manifest, if Flanagan were also to resign to continue her Senate bid—which is also unlikely, because even being the Governor Minnesota for a short time is a great honor—of course she could then shift over to a gubernatorial race on her own.
If US Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) were to seek the Governor’s office in the November election, and win, she would be in a position—after her swearing in—to select her own successor.
Now, because of series of options which we speculatively point out, Klobuchar could appoint Flanagan and then she would be installed and required to run for the seat on her own in the 2028 election. But, this could foster a backlash like 1978 to be played out 40-years later in 2028 as a sequel- Minnesota Massacre II.
Sure, this is all wild speculation, but one factor we think is clear, Flanagan shares any aspect of the adverse impact of the public sentiment over the ‘Fraud Issue’ with Walz as a member of his Administration. Since she has taken credit for issues passed during the Government Trifecta she shoulders equally, the benefits as well as the burdens.
Nearly Three Weeks Until Precinct Caucuses No DFL Candidate has Yet, Emerged
Minnesota Report
It appears the Wait and See of a potential gubernatorial bid by US Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is holding others at bay. The announcement, a week ago, of Governor Tim Walz’ (DFL-MN) withdrawal has created a vacuum no one has stepped forward to fill.
This is little buzz or idol speculation, we are hearing outside of Klobuchar, but since this move is as of yet unconfirmed, we all just sit and wait.
Trump Polling Numbers in Key States Falter
National and Minnesota Report Yesterday, articles in the New York Times and the Washington Post spelled good news for the former Vice-President Joe Biden’s campaign (D). https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/upshot/poll-2020-biden-battlegrounds.html...
Senate Bonding Then and Now (2018 v 2020)
Minnesota Report Two years ago, the Republican controlled State Senate brought forward it’s Capitol Investment Bill, which failed to pass on a party line vote of 34-33, seven votes short of the 2/3rds majority of 41 votes. What is interesting I what the Republicans...
Mayo Clinic Challenging Trump’s Push of Malaria Drugs
Minnesota Report The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN has released a medical advisory in direct response to Donald J Trump's (R) call of the use of hydroxychloroquine and erythromycin.Guidance on patients at risk of drug-induced sudden cardiac death from off-label...
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Page
Minnesota Report On Friday, Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) along with Commissioner Jan Malcolm released the State of Minnesota’s comprehensive COVID-19 page on the Department of Health’s Website. Additionally, the MN House also has a page which provides more and...
Trump’s Continued Call for Hydroxychloroquine
National Report In spite of not having scientific support for his position Donald J Trump (R) continues to put forward his contention that the use of Hydroxychloroquine a drug for Malaria and Lupus and Erythromycin a drug for bacterial infections as a panacea to the...
Walz Executive Orders During Pandemic
Minnesota Report As we are in the midst of the second week of the Stay at Home Executive Order 20-20 more orders are coming from Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) to stipulate what options are available to our state’s citizens. Today, Executive Order 20-25 Authorizing Peace...
The Coming of the Four Horsemen
If you want to be memorable in Minnesota State Capitol politics it is good if you are referred to as something other than your name. It is often helpful when a term or a phrase can be applied to your, group, issue or initiative. If you want to be known as something...
First Paid Political Advertisement Ran Here 21 Years Ago
There were a number of firsts that occurred in the 1998 Governor's race besides the My Three Sons Primary and the election of third-party candidate Jesse Ventura, In 1997, the Ted Mondale for Governor campaign took out, what is known as the First Paid Political...
2018 House State Fair Poll
Minnesota Report We at Checks & Balances are continuing our tradition of publishing the State Fair Polls found at the State Fair booths in the Education Building. Again, as we have said before, these provide an insight into the mindset and the issues of interest...
2018 Senate State Fair Poll
Minnesota Report State Senate 2016 State Fair Poll Questions (Choose one answer per question) Demographics Residence Minneapolis/St. Paul Rural Suburban Regional hub of at least 40,000 people (Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato, Moorhead) Another state No...
Candidates Wolgamott and Ek are Each, Seeking a Shot at Redemption
Minnesota Report In December of 2005, the MN Supreme Court Ruled House Candidate Sue Ek (R-MN) ineligible as a candidate for the House seat 15B, do to her failure to reside in the district 60-days prior to the filing period. This means the highest court in our state,...
Speaking of Urdahl, One of His Books is Being Turned into a Movie
Minnesota Report Capitol observers might be familiar with the fact, Dean Urdahl (R-16A, Grove City) is a writer of historical fiction based on the Civil War era. The first book in his Uprising Saga series, Uprising is set to be on the small screen offered by one of...
Leadership Shuffles
Minnesota Report First, it was the rapid one-week ouster of Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan, then the announcement by Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-09, Nisswa) leaving the leadership post and not seeking reelection, followed by the more surprising...
The Best Example of the Legislative Chasm: Bonding Bill
Minnesota Report DFLers and Republicans are at odds over whether or not a Bonding Bill is a Jobs Bill. The two sides are also at loggerheads over whether or not long-term spending through bonds is a prudent fiscal decision. The cost of spending for a government backed...
Legislative Session Ends with a Flatulence in a Wind Funnel or FWF
Minnesota Report When competing political ideologies are at play, the ability to achieve consensus is a far way island, and reaching it, is a distant, remote and implausible likelihood. The reason being political people are hard-pressed to see beyond their own vested...
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