News Releases
The 2024 Election Results Will be Determined by the Suburban Vote
National & Minnesota Report
In 1990, Checks & Balances publisher Shawn Towle, was a DFL Activist and called a Walking Subcaucus called Uncommitted Suburban Issues. This group was dubbed by some Labor Leaders as anti-Union, and others a quite appropriate in an Anoka County Senate District. Now, its worth noting the term “Soccer Mom” which didn’t appear until 1996, was clearly a metonymy for a suburbanized subset of women, because initially, soccer was largely an affluent suburban athletic pursuit.
Afterwards, upon the creation of Checks & Balances Mr Towle began his analysis of all political questions and maintained a suburban perspective, which later proved to be the essential element of the correct analysis of the politics of Minnesota. As the component of Greater Minnesota continues to atrophy and the cities concentrate and skew further and further to the left side of the political paradigm, it is the suburbs where logic and political common sense prevail.
As we will hopefully see in this electoral contest. The suburbs will flex their collective political muscles, women of all ages and enlightened males across all geographic areas will wholeheartedly reject the traitor Donald J Trump (R). The negative messaging and conflict, nonfactual depiction of our nation is not a place anyone should want to live in. Hillary Clinton (D) was wrong, his followers though misguided are not a “Basket of Deplorables”, but rather he is deplorable and should be summarily dismissed and sent to prison where he belongs.
Many elections have been decided by the blue collar male vote, and it is possible, this election, the hand ringing of urban aggrieved males, and those feeling left behind will be left wanting. The Fascismo while advocating for the overthrow of liberal institutions and promoting an attempt to restore traditional values, believe in the supremacy of certain peoples and use this justify the persecution of others. The best example of the was on display on October 26, 2024 at Madison Square Garden at the Trump Rally.
This election positions the Suburban Vote v the Grievance Vote. Hopefully, the correct side will prevail if not, this nation will not likely survive what becomes from another Trump election.
Final Secretary of State Early Voting Tally
Minnesota Report
We have received what are probably the last totals of early voting for the 2024 election from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office. The numbers are high, but once again not as high during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. People appear to have forgone the convenience of early absentee ballot voting and will likely be returning to their traditions of civic expression in going to the polls.
Since we are only able to find a figure from the Primary election of the number of registered voters the running total of early mail-in ballots is 1,174,224 or 32.59%. Again, this is compared to 2020 in which 53.22% did the same.
Now is the Time for All Heralds to Call Upon Our Citizens to Act in Their Own Interests
National & Minnesota Report
As the 2024 election is less than 24-hours away and we hear the closing words of Vice-President Kamala Harris (D) they sound similar to simple ideas shared in the New Testament. As she calls for us to embrace the goodness in our hearts and makes a joyous chorus embodying Matthew 22:39 an ecumenical and simple idea to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” it is a righteous concept. It is easily juxtaposed against the ugly, mean-spirited and spewing of Donald J Trump (R) which were fully on display at the Madison Square Garden rally.
As our nation stands on the verge or even the precipice of the most consequential or rather the penultimate election in our existence as a democracy, we also stand on notice of the epochal impact one decision made can have over another. We are not the first to declare this time inline with the significance of the Civil War, but are a lone voice for the claim, this peril is far greater. Trump the Convicted Felon (34 Times) Malignant Narcissist, Carnival Barker, Traitor, and Insurrectionist is a fundamental threat to our democracy. His advanced declaration of seeking to be a dictator is the premier reason.
The major threat Trump poses is the possibility to further impact the US Supreme Court. His appointments of the three Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brent Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett and their lack of appreciation for Stare Desisis (precedent) and what is thought to have been settled law, is also a threat to our fundamental democracy and they either should be impeached for lying to Congress in their appointments or in the case of Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito accepting gifts which are effectively bribes.
The protections of our democracy warrant steps that reflect the system of Checks & Balances which are the tenants found in Federalist Papers 51. Where the structure of the Constitution’s provides for each governmental branch, powers to limit the other two branches, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.
The concept of Separation of Powers, constitutionally divides the powers of the national government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The phrase of the day holds-Ambition must be made to counteract ambition
What is often forgotten is, its the people whom are the source of legitimate authority and each of the three branches of government are universally dependent on the will of the people, and in turn establish the legitimacy and authority.
The decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022), which over turned Roe v. Wade | 410 U.S. 113 (1973) is a flagrant superseding by the US Supreme Court and further more what is an even more significant overstep is the Immunity found for Trump in, Trump v. United States (07/01/2024)
The Roberts Court must be fundamentally changed and curtailed to accurately reflect the precepts of our nation. We continue to support an expansion of the court to reflect the number of Judicial District Circuits, which currently is thirteen and an even more radical approach is the provision of statehood for Washington DC and Puerto Rico, which will increase the US Senate to 104 seats. Any addition to the US House is a matter for additional consideration. There is one non-voting delegate from Washington DC and six from Puerto Rico.
The provision of unequaled power to the Executive Branch and in particular the Chief Executive is another step to creation of the Imperial Presidency. Yes, the ability to prosecute the actions of the President should be limited and not applied to actions taken in the implementation of his/her official duties, but when the actions step out side those boundaries, they are made on behalf of an individual and not in the interests of the people.
One Potential Electoral Comfort
At least here in Minnesota, High Profile Sequel Elections tend to benefit the initial winner. As we saw in 1990 when Paul Wellstone (DFL-MN) defeated US Senator Rudy Boschwitz (R-MN) and he then waited for 1996 to challenge him again, he failed.
When an electorate has made a decision to reject someone like Donald J Trump their collective decision holds.
This said, it takes collective action and every vote matters. The time is now to act against the tyrant and again cast him away to the garbage heap he so wants lead rather than be sent to prison for his wanton disregard for any and all others, except himself.
The Roberts Court and the Taney Court are Right Inline
National & Minnesota Report
Our concern for the US Supreme Court exist as citizens of this nation and as amateur Constitutional scholars. The Internet is a fine repository of Constitutional works and means we do not need to dig through old boxes for our Constitutional Law books. Here we once again acknowledge Professor Samuel Krislov, is currently Distinguished Alumni Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at American University and Emeritus Professor of Political Science and Law at the University of Minnesota.
As we have been considering the potential adverse impact of this election should Donald J Trump (R) be returned to the White House, we were reminded of the pre-Civil War Court under the Roger B Taney. The Taney Court decisions likely led us into the Civil War.
The three that come to mind are:
Prigg v. Pennsylvania | 41 U.S. 539 (1842) which upheld the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 and additionally the allowance of the Missouri Supreme Court position on the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
The court’s declaration of even a freed slave never being allowed to become an American citizen and if a slave enters a free state, that person is still enslaved. Yes, dear readers this is when Mr Scott was brought here to Minnesota to Fort Snelling by Dr John Emerson, a US Army Surgeon.
This decision is considered the worst ever made by the US Supreme Court.
It is arguable the Fugitive Slaves Acts are under the same premise as a woman not being able to leave her anti-abortion state to peruse the medical procedure in another state.
These decisions, are telling in the nature of the current Roberts Court. The restrictions imposed by an anti-abortion state preclude a woman from exercising her full rights as a citizen to pursue necessary medical care and has resulted in the deaths of women in a number of states, and medical crisis’s for others.
As we await the results, the costs of Trump’s election could not be any higher.
Absentee Ballot Counts
Minnesota Report
Statewide Counts
- Applications submitted (11/1/24): 1,185,640
- Accepted ballots (11/1/24): 989,807
This means of the Voters Registered at 7AM: 3,603,347 as of 08/19/24 3:37 PM at least 27.47%*
Since, the number of registered voters, which can increase until the end of balloting on November 5th, 8:00 PM this number is a bit speculative, but when compared to 2020 in which 53.22% voted by Absentee ballot..
One Week Remains, Before the 2024 Election Ends, Hopefully, We Will Endure
National & Minnesota Report
Today, before Vice-President Kamala Harris (D) stands at the Ellipse, a park, 500 feet from the Oval Office, the exact spot where in 2020 Donald J Trump (R) started the insurrection against our nation, we all should reflect on what this truly means, and the gravity of the time.
Withe reports of ballot boxes being torched in Oregon and Washington, preparations made in Arizona with snipers being deployed, this election is staged to be a chaotic affair. The preparations which have been underway by Republican lawyers to challenge every aspect of this election, especially in the seven swing states is well underway. Challenges to voters rolls, preparations for claims of election fraud are already steeped in the stew fraught from the lies Trump regularly spews.
This election is the most substantial challenge to our Democracy and is an embodiment of the largest division in our nation that we will argue surpasses the Civil War. In fact we believe it actually is an offspring of that conflict which was never truly resolved. As Harris delivers her closing argument to the American people on why she is the best candidate for the Presidency of the United States of America, at this historical moment she stands as a concrete representation to stem the tide of Fascism, fostered by the vile and putrid rhetoric of Trump.
If the adages, Past is Prologue, and Those Who Fail to Appreciate History Are Doomed to Repeat It, are markers we must either recognize these significant points or pass by at our own peril. The script was written in 2020, and had been refined to a point where it will regularly be deployed as a post-election dance orchestrated by the likes of Trump recently prison released sycophants Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro among other co-conspirators.
The outlying problem here is if any issue that will determine the election result is brought before the US Supreme Court, many people have no faith of this formerly august body, making the right decision. Just as they failed in 2000, with Bush v Gore.
This test of our Democracy is dependent upon the people making the right decision for their leadership and a vote for Harris is a vote for Democracy, Order and the Rule of Law a vote for Trump is a vote for Fascism, Chaos and Anarchy.
2024 Minnesota Legislative Races to Watch
Minnesota Report
Everyone who follows Minnesota politics and is concerned about our state of affairs follows the legislative races.
In the State Senate because of the vacation of Sen Kelly Morrison (DFL-MN) in Senate District 45 to vie for the open Congressional seat vacated by her Elementary school friend Dean Philips (D-MN) leaves former Senator Anne Johnson Stewart (DFL) v Kathleen Fowke (R).
Since the Pre-General Election Reports are not available we will repost the Pre-Primary Election numbers.
Ann Johnson Stewart
|
Beginning Cash |
11,273.33 |
|
Total Receipts |
42,874.65 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
28,450.23 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
25,083.34 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
0.00 |
Kathleen Fowke (R)
|
Beginning Cash |
2,991.98 |
|
Total Receipts |
171,194.72 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
33,120.98 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
141,065.72 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
501,000.00 |
Our list of the key House races has expanded beyond our original four (07B, 26A, 35B, 41B) and now include 03B, 14B and 41A. All of these races, stand as key components for control of the House.
03B
Natalie Zeleznikar (R) (Incumbent) first-term
|
Beginning Cash |
42,195.06 |
|
Total Receipts |
73,850.34 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
69,755.76 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
73,061.69 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
0.00 |
Mark Munger (DFL)
|
Beginning Cash |
0.00 |
|
Total Receipts |
127,551.17 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
84,145.30 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
43,405.87 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
0.00 |
Seat 07B (Open)
Lorrie Janatopoulos (DFL)
|
Beginning Cash |
0.00 |
|
Total Receipts |
100,738.28 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
94,222.47 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
21,416.05 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
0.00 |
Cal Warwas (R)
|
Beginning Cash |
17,478.25 |
|
Total Receipts |
72,151.49 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
69,755.76 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
19,873.98 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
0.00 |
We will remind our readers of the article we wrote on this race.
Candidates Wolgamott and Ek are Each, Seeking a Shot at Redemption
14B
Dan Wolgamott (DFL) (Incumbent) 3rd term
|
Beginning Cash |
32,014.13 |
|
Total Receipts |
51,805.67 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
94,277.11 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
11,695.27 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
27,052.58 |
Sue Ek (R)
|
Beginning Cash |
0.00 |
|
Total Receipts |
59,298.92 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
52,765.02 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
6,533.90 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
0.00 |
26A (Open)
Sarah Kruger (DFL)
|
Beginning Cash |
0.00 |
|
Total Receipts |
114,557.17 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
84,928.64 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
29,628.53 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
0.00 |
Aaron Repinski (R)
|
Beginning Cash |
50,069.21 |
|
Total Receipts |
42,480.31 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
66,298.04 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
26,251.48 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
0.00 |
35B (Open)
Kari Rehrauer (DFL)
|
Beginning Cash |
27,970.52 |
|
Total Receipts |
95,802.60 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
70,255.38 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
53,517.74 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
0.00 |
Steve Pape (R)
|
Beginning Cash |
0.00 |
|
Total Receipts |
44,244.66 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
37,372.99 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
6,871.67 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
0.00 |
41B (Open)
Lucia Wroblewski (DFL)
|
Beginning Cash |
27,649.26 |
|
Total Receipts |
105,317.93 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
81,354.31 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
51,612.88 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
0.00 |
Wayne Johnson (R)
|
Beginning Cash |
0.00 |
|
Total Receipts |
50,883.00 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
25,615.16 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
26,184.10 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
916.26 |
41B (Open)
Jen Fox (DFL)
|
Beginning Cash |
0.00 |
|
Total Receipts |
113,476.20 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
74,794.06 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
43,182.14 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
4,500.00 |
Tom Dippel (R)
|
Beginning Cash |
0.00 |
|
Total Receipts |
65,711.20 |
|
Total Expenditures and Disbursements |
52,877.86 |
|
Ending Cash Balance |
12,833.34 |
|
Total Debt of Committee |
30,000.00 |
Trump Highlights with Less Than Two Weeks to Go: General’s Warning, Genitals and Constantly Aggravating Gross Odor.
National Report & Minnesota Report
The amount of negative information fostered from Donald J Trump’s (R) own mouth is a regular occurrence. If his mouth is moving he is lying and if you standing around him you want to be upwind. Why, because Trump stinks. He regularly farts, soils his diaper and urinates in such large amounts they need to put at pad on his seats so he doesn’t ruin the furniture on television studio sets. This is why we have accepted his nom de plume, the Diapered Don. Here is a video showing Trump sitting on a pad to protect the couch on a Fox News Interview, and more examples of his flatulence.
He started out the week, with all of the various political shows talking about his reference to Professional Golfer Arnold Palmer’s genitalia and how other golfers commented on it, trying to infer some personal connection to the story. This might be penis envy from a man with small hands, which has its own reference.
Additionally, the audio tapes of former White House Chief of Staff retired General John Kelly who discussed conversations with Trump, where he said, “I need the kind of Generals that Hitler had,” inferring those loyal to him rather than the US Constitution. Again, this is a direct explanation of how Trump is traitorous. He also, was identified, by Kelly as the definition of Fascist.
Today, again, no surprise, there is another allegation of Trump assaulting a former Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Model Stacey Williams, whom at the time was dating future convicted minor sex trafficker Jeffery Epstein. Her story was brought forward in a new Documentary about Sports Illustrated.
This means the foul smelling ill-mannered, offensive oaf, who is seen as a malignant narcissist is even more of an essential threat to our nation.
The support from the lesser educated, low-propensity voters, to which Trump’s use of lies, strongman rhetoric and logical fallacies builds his support, are emblematic to the ignorance in our nation. The revisionist history about the economy under Trump is a joke. It was the economy he inherited from President Barack Obama (D) and his own policies didn’t kick in until right before COVID struck and then the economy went into a tailspin, with high inflation and scarcity which further exasperated the situation.
Hopefully, the more intellectual class, especially women, will save America from this pathetic, petulant, peon, or should we saw peed on person? Why because that is what is thought to be videos Vladimir Putin has hanging of his head and why he is in Putin’s pocket.
As Trump disparages our nation and says we’re,” Like a garbage can for the world,” he demeans the nation he seeks to lead, merely to keep his own ass out of prison. When asked how long it will take him to fire Jack Smith, he said, “Two seconds.”
Secretary of State Reports Early Voting Numbers
Minnesota Report
So far in this election, as reported by the Secretary of State’s Office, we have seen 47.69% of the 2020 absentee ballot election results we saw in 2020.
Statewide Counts
- Applications submitted (10/24/24): 864,385
- Accepted ballots (10/24/24): 565,909
In 2020,
- Applications submitted: 1,765,330
- Accepted ballots: 1,186,522
The overall data is the following
Statewide Absentee Summary Data
|
Absentee Ballot Counts |
2024 State Primary |
2024 Presidential Primary |
2022 State General |
2022 State Primary |
2020 State General |
2020 State Primary |
2020 Presidential Primary |
2018 State General |
2018 State Primary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Transmitted |
286,263 |
217,791 |
792,581 |
275,851 |
2,193,411 |
867,123 |
249,701 |
730,875 |
226,263 |
|
Returned |
134,360 |
111,930 |
687,062 |
161,662 |
1,929,945 |
555,998 |
155,255 |
652,053 |
149,274 |
|
Accepted |
127,647 |
105,704 |
673,360 |
155,097 |
1,909,701 |
543,665 |
145,824 |
638,581 |
143,975 |
|
Rejected |
6,688 |
6,187 |
13,698 |
6,542 |
20,240 |
12,229 |
9,388 |
13,468 |
5,200 |
Another Change in the Political Landscape Caused by Trump
National & Minnesota Report
It has a been a tradition since 1945, the year after the death of former New York City Mayor Al Smith, a Catholic, and past presidential nominee, to hold a roast of virtually any person in the room, but every four years, largely the two major party presidential nominees for President.
The speech last night, in New York City at the Waldorf Astoria for the Al Smith Catholic Charities Dinner for the New York Archdioceses given by Donald J Trump (R) mostly overly rude, unfunny and not surprisingly, mostly about him and his grievances.
In her infinite wisdom, Vice-President Kamal Harris (D) opted to not attended and instead set a video with Molly Shannon recreating her Saturday Night Live character Mary Katherine Gallagher. Instead, Harris opted for a rally in Wisconsin, which does have a significant Catholic population at 23%.
This dinner has changes significantly, since Trump has entered the political fray and started with his roast of Hillary Clinton the night after their final Presidential Debate in 2016. He set tone and the low bar during that affair.
In our opinion, this event has a few significant political subtexts worth-noting. As a Catholic event the undercurrent is the abortion question and who best appeals to Catholic voters. Today, the Catholic vote is believed to be 25% to 27% of the national vote, with over 68 million members. Post COVID, the trend of all church attendees has been falling 20% of Americans attend church every week (Gallup) 41% of Americans are in monthly church attendance or more (Gallup).
In the four years before the pandemic, 2016 through 2019, an average of 34% of US adults said they had attended church, synagogue, mosque or temple in the past seven days. (Gallup)
This event is just another example of how Trump has diminished an institutional aspect of American society.
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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