News Releases
Interesting Insights From the Delano Fourth of July Parade
Minnesota Report
There are political parades, and then there is the Fourth of July parade in Delano. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Delano while helping commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, organizers estimated more than 30,000 people lined the streets. In an election year, that makes Delano one of the premier campaign stops in Minnesota. Surpringly, Congressman Tom Emmer (R-MN06) was a no-show in his hometown, but his DFL-endorsed challenger, Doug Chaplin did.
Doug Chapin DFL Endorsed Candidate (MN-06)
This might be Emmer took it for granted because the parade is held in Wright County, one of the most reliably Republican counties in Minnesota, and so the vast majority of candidates in attendance were Republicans. Republican-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls (R-Stillwater) attended, although another black gentlemen drove the cool three wheeled Polaris Slingshot. Also participating were his Republican primary opponents current State House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-13A, Cold Spring) and Mike Lindell (R-Faribault) nationally recognized as the founder of MyPillow. While there were plenty of campaign signs and handshakes throughout the parade, one campaign stood apart.
House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-13A, ColdSpring)
As Lindell traveled the parade route, he and campaign volunteers tossed miniature MyPillow pillows into the crowd while distributing campaign literature and asking parade attendees for their support. Publisher Shawn Towle witnessed the distribution firsthand and asked Lindell whether he was familiar with what longtime Minnesota political observers refer to as the “Twinkie Law.” Although there is no statute officially bearing that name, the nickname refers to Minnesota Statutes § 211B.13, which provides in part: “A candidate may not directly or indirectly give, provide, or promise to give, provide, or lend money, a gift, a loan, or any item of monetary value to an individual in order to induce the individual to vote…” Asked whether distributing miniature pillows complied with that statute, Lindell responded: “My lawyers have looked into it and we are fine.”
That answer immediately raised another question. For years, Lindell insisted that Dominion Voting Systems manipulated votes during the 2020 Presidential Election. Those claims became the basis for years of costly litigation after courts repeatedly found no evidence supporting the allegations. Among the consequences, Lindell lost his own “Prove Mike Wrong Challenge” arbitration and was ordered to pay approximately $5 million to Robert Zeidman. He also spent years defending lawsuits brought by Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems.
Those cases resulted in substantial legal expenses, court sanctions, and millions of dollars in financial losses. During 2026, additional court filings continued over unpaid attorney fees and sanctions, while the lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems concluded through a confidential settlement. The legal battles dramatically altered both Lindell’s finances and the public footprint of MyPillow. The company lost major retailers, experienced steep declines in revenue, and disappeared from longtime exhibition space at the Minnesota State Fair, where it had once maintained one of the event’s most recognizable commercial displays.
This was not the first interaction between Checks & Balances and Lindell. Our publisher talked with him during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Lindell appeared after shaving his trademark mustache in an apparent attempt to go incognito. Seeing him again in Delano, Towle smiled and remarked, “I see you grew your mustache back since Chicago.” Lindell laughed.
Today, we contacted the Qualls and Demuth campaigns and are awaiting their comments on the matter. Now, this is not a consideration for the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board regarding the applicability of Minnesota Statutes § 211B.13 but rather an issue for the Office of Administrative Hearing. Ironically, this is not the first time Checks & Balances has reported on Minnesota’s campaign gift law. In 1998, tPublisher Towle personally witnessed a supporter of then the Republican endorse candidate for Hennepin County Attorney Sheryl Ramstad Voss distributing butterscotch candy while asking attendees for their votes during the Uptown Art Fair. Shortly after publication, Checks & Balances received a cease-and-desist letter demanding removal of the story. At the time, the publication was newly established and lacked legal counsel, and the article was removed. We in turn wrote another story about what transpired and why the story left the page.
The incident underscored how seriously campaigns treat the restrictions contained in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 211B. Another candidate also managed to capture attention during the parade. DFL candidate Dan Fiskum (DFL-29, Rockford) brandishing a sword and shield while proclaiming himself “Dan the Data Center Slayer.” The strategy accomplished exactly what campaign messaging is intended to do—it got people talking.
Dan-Data Center Slayer-Fiskum
Along the parade route, spectators repeatedly voiced opposition to proposed data center developments throughout Minnesota, making Fiskum’s campaign theme one of the day’s most discussed political messages. He now faces Louis McNutt in the DFL primary, a race that will be worth watching as campaign season continues. Although, even with a really opportunistic name to make fun of, especially for a political candidate, one fact is evident, McNutt was trounced by Michael Holmstrom (R-29, Buffalo) by better than a 2-1 margin.
Saw the Eagle Independence at the Airport
National & Minnesota Report
C&B Publisher Shawn Towle just so happened to be at the Atlanta Airport on July 3rd and happened across a group from Auburn University which were transporting “Independence” a female eagle to Philadelphia for the 4th of July accompanying her was a Minnesotan and Saint Paulite Katie Pnewski.
There is just something majestic about seeing an eagle fly. Here is “Indy” in action.
Independence in the box and Katie Pnewski
A button from Auburn
Hard to tell, but Independence in the box.
Here’s a story about the airplane flight.
Putting Donald J Trump on MT Rushmore
National & Minnesota Report
Because the Big Orange Imbecile Donald J Trump (R) has a far higher version of himself than any other intelligent logical thinking person. We thought we would assist him in his quest to become an addition to MT Rushmore.
Remembering Melissa Hortman, a Void Still Remains
Minnesota Report
June 14th marks the one year anniversary of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, husband Mark and their dog Gilbert’s assassinations at the hands of now, convicted assassin and Christian Nationalist Vance Boelter. Additionally, he shot state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette multiple times.
This tragedy highlights the current crisis in the state of our politics and is a result of the divisiveness of our political system which started initially with Richard M Nixon (R), was exasperated by US House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R), then was further fomented by the bigotry expressed in response to the election of Barack Obama (D) and ultimately expressed in both elections of Donald J Trump (R) as a malignancy to our Democracy and a direct affront to our Constitution.
The continual bevy of lies, misstatements, name calling and downright graft and corruption we see emanating for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is a constant and steady assault on our collective sensibilities and faith in our government.
Melissa was a refreshing breath of air in this toxic environment, and her untimely departure leaves many who knew her with a clear sense of loss and yearning for a return to later days.
She is missed and will be for many years to come, but her fingerprints have given back to Minnesota in the trees which are planted in her name and the service dogs, especially golden retrievers, who will be symbols of her impact on others.
Current State of Affairs in the US–Iran War
International, National & Minnesota Report
The US and Iran appear to have reached a tentative ceasefire framework after a conflict that reportedly lasted about 107 days and involved US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. The proposed agreement would extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz while negotiators work on a permanent settlement. However, some details remain disputed, and Iran has stated publicly that not all issues are finalized.
Several reports indicate that a signing ceremony is expected or has been announced, but there have been conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran regarding the exact terms and timing.
The key issue is this was a war of Donald J Trump’s (R) own making, which as a five-time Draft Dodger is the epitome of Chicken-hawk leadership and cowardly actions. He is the trite example of how old men send young men to die, but now with the implementation of missiles and drones it is less onerous to the troops except when the enemy strikes back.
What is in the MOA/MoU?
Because the full text has not been officially released, much of the information comes from leaks and media reports. Reported provisions include:
Security and military provisions
- Extension of the ceasefire for approximately 60 days.
- Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.
- Suspension or reduction of hostilities involving Iranian-backed groups, though implementation remains unclear.
Nuclear provisions
- Iran reportedly agrees not to pursue nuclear weapons.
- Iran would freeze further uranium enrichment and nuclear expansion during negotiations.
- Future talks would address enriched uranium stockpiles and verification mechanisms.
Economic provisions
- Release of frozen Iranian assets reportedly totaling roughly $24–25 billion. Importantly, these are generally described as Iranian funds already owned by Iran but frozen under sanctions, not new US appropriations.
- Temporary sanctions waivers, especially for oil exports.
- Some reports mention longer-term reconstruction and development proposals, though these remain uncertain and may not be finalized.
Future negotiation process
The reported process appears to be:
- Sign the MoU/MOA.
- Begin a 60-day negotiation period.
- Technical working groups address:
- uranium enrichment limits;
- inspection and verification;
- sanctions relief;
- frozen assets;
- regional security issues.
- Negotiate a permanent agreement that could extend or replace the temporary framework. The 60-day period may itself be extended.
How is this different from the JCPOA?
The 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), differed in several important ways:
| Issue | JCPOA (2015) | 2026 MoU/MOA (reported) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Primarily nuclear | Nuclear + ceasefire + regional security |
| Parties | US, Iran, EU, UK, France, Germany, Russia, China | Primarily U.S. and Iran with regional mediators |
| Legal status | Detailed multilateral agreement | Preliminary framework/MoU |
| Inspections | Extensive IAEA verification | Verification still under negotiation |
| Sanctions relief | Gradual relief tied to compliance | Reported phased relief and asset release |
| Military conflict | No active US–Iran war | Ends an ongoing conflict |
Many analysts note that the current framework is broader because it addresses military de-escalation and shipping through Hormuz, whereas the JCPOA focused mainly on the nuclear program. However, the JCPOA was considerably more detailed and legally developed regarding inspections and enforcement.
Is Trump paying more to Iran than under previous agreements?
This depends on what counts as “paying.”
If counting frozen assets:
Reports indicate the release of approximately $24–25 billion in frozen Iranian assets. These are generally Iranian funds already owned by Iran and held abroad under sanctions. They are not direct US taxpayer payments.
Compared with the JCPOA:
Under the JCPOA, sanctions relief unlocked access to an estimated $50–100+ billion in Iranian assets and economic benefits, though estimates vary widely depending on what assets were actually accessible.
Thus:
- Nominal dollar amount: The reported $24–25 billion is smaller than the total sanctions relief often associated with the JCPOA.
- Structure: The current framework appears more conditional and phased, tying relief to ceasefire and future compliance.
- Direct payments: There is currently no public evidence that the US is directly paying Iran more than under prior agreements. Much of the reported economic component involves releasing frozen Iranian funds or waiving sanctions rather than appropriating new US money.
One important caveat: because the MoU text has not been officially published in full, some reported provisions remain unverified or disputed.
Donald J Trump on a $250 Bill WTF
National & Minnesota Report
Watching the Donald J Trump (R) is like watching a comedic farce. He is a F—— Joke. As he splashes his face across Washington, DC he is spreading out his shit show. The Grifter-in-Chief is constantly lining his pockets and his dipshit children’s as well. These Cons are conmen, but they should become actually Convicts. The payola, out-right theft and the corruption they use to lay waste to this nation are treasonous.
Now, that he wants his mug to adorn a new note of currency, which doesn’t yet exists it is another example of how he wants to soil everything he touches. The Diapered Don, the Orange Oragutan is once again going somewhere no one else should go or nowhere reasonable and intelligent people should ever choose to go.
If you haven’t seen the Amazon show The Boys, in its fifth season, there are a number of extreme views is main villian Homelander takes which a pure Trumpian. He wants himself to be considered a God, no make that The GOD, and this meglomania is chapter and verse from Trump’s playbook.
All and all its just grotesque.
Political Conventions Weekend in Minnesota
Minnesota Report
The DFL Party will is descending on Rochester and the Republicans are heading to Duluth, where politically, and ideologically the two parties are not affiliated with either community as it’s political home. The Democrats will have a virtually lack luster convention, because US Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) will have a cakewalk, as will Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL-MN) because Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN02) is headed directly to the Primary, where she has a significant financial advantage. The question is whether or not the DFL PArty under the leadership of Richard Cardblom will spend any party resources to assist Flanagan is a significant question. If she were to emerge from the Primary she gives Republicans the best shot at being elected to the Governor’s office. She is the weaker candidate between the two, and has played the role as sidekick for Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN), but is not capable to advancing to super hero status. So no matter, which candidate emerges on the Republican side they have the best shot if Flanagan is the US Senate candidate.
Alternatively, it will be a overwhelming surprise and a definite longshot for any Republican including House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-13A, Cold Spring) to topple Klobuchar. Although we find it interesting to see Demuth’s superheroine commercial, which is an idea we deployed for Yan Chen (DFL-St Paul) during the 2025 Mayoral race. Looks like they cribbed from us. Now, if Klobuchar taps into her past White Collar Fraud Crimefighting posture she had as a two-term Hennepin County Attorney she has better Fraud Fighting credentials.
The only actual contest that will transpire in Rochester is the State Audtior’s race.
In Duluth, we are not sure who will be endorsed, but we will let you know when we do.
Here is the DFL Agenda
Checks & Balances Query of ChatGPT on the Political Questions of 2026
International, National, Minnesota Report
We decided to put ChatGPT to the test and asked the following question. What are the significant political questions currently underway in Internationally, Nationally and in Minnesota? Create a list and breakout each item.
Significant Political Questions & Issues in 2026
The following are some of the major political questions currently shaping debate and policy discussions internationally, nationally in the United States, and in Minnesota.
International Political Questions
1. U.S.–China Competition & Taiwan
Key Questions
- Will tensions over Taiwan escalate into military confrontation?
- Can the U.S. and China establish “guard rails” to avoid conflict?
- How will economic decoupling reshape global trade?
Why It Matters
This is increasingly viewed as the most dangerous geopolitical flashpoint globally, with concerns over nuclear escalation and military competition in the Indo-Pacific.
2. Wars & Global Security
Key Questions
- Will the wars involving Ukraine, Russia, Iran, and Middle East actors expand regionally?
- Can diplomatic agreements prevent broader international conflict?
- How should NATO and allied nations respond?
Why It Matters
Global instability is reshaping defense spending, diplomacy, refugee migration, and energy security.
3. Artificial Intelligence Governance
Key Questions
- How should governments regulate AI?
- Will AI eliminate large categories of jobs?
- Should nations tax AI-driven automation?
Why It Matters
AI is rapidly becoming both an economic and democratic issue involving labor, misinformation, surveillance, and global competitiveness.
4. Climate Change & Energy Security
Key Questions
- How will nations transition from fossil fuels while maintaining energy stability?
- Will climate adaptation become more urgent than mitigation?
- Can global climate agreements survive geopolitical fragmentation?
Why It Matters
Climate events, supply chain disruptions, and energy conflicts are increasingly intertwined.
5. Democratic Stability & Disinformation
Key Questions
- Can democratic institutions withstand rising polarization and misinformation?
- How should governments regulate social media and AI-generated political content?
- Are authoritarian political movements expanding globally?
Why It Matters
Many governments are confronting declining public trust and rising political extremism.
United States National Political Questions
1. Immigration & Border Enforcement
Key Questions
- How aggressive should immigration enforcement become?
- What powers should federal agencies like ICE have?
- How should “sanctuary cities” respond to federal pressure?
Why It Matters
Immigration remains one of the most polarizing issues in American politics, especially under the administration of Donald Trump.
2. Inflation, Tariffs & the Economy
Key Questions
- Are tariffs helping or harming the U.S. economy?
- How should the federal government address inflation and housing costs?
- Will economic conditions dominate the 2026 midterms?
Why It Matters
Economic concerns consistently rank as the top issue for voters nationwide.
3. Healthcare & Social Programs
Key Questions
- Should the U.S. expand public healthcare?
- How should Medicare and Social Security be funded?
- Will healthcare affordability become a dominant election issue?
Why It Matters
Healthcare costs remain one of the largest financial burdens on Americans.
4. Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Key Questions
- Should abortion protections be federal or state-based?
- How will post-Dobbs state laws affect elections?
- Will reproductive rights continue driving voter turnout?
Why It Matters
Abortion remains a major mobilizing issue across the political spectrum.
5. Democracy, Elections & Political Polarization
Key Questions
- Can trust in elections and institutions be restored?
- How should political misinformation be addressed?
- Is political violence becoming normalized?
Why It Matters
Concerns about democratic stability remain central to American political discourse.
6. Artificial Intelligence & Labor
Key Questions
- Will AI replace white-collar and entry-level jobs?
- Should AI companies contribute to public safety-net funding?
- How should the federal government regulate AI development?
Why It Matters
AI’s impact on labor markets is becoming a major bipartisan policy issue.
7. Gun Violence & Public Safety
Key Questions
- Should federal gun laws be strengthened?
- How should states address rising concerns over shootings and extremism?
- What balance should exist between gun rights and regulation?
Why It Matters
Mass shootings and political violence continue shaping public debate.
Minnesota Political Questions
1. Divided Government in Minnesota
Key Questions
- Can the divided Legislature govern effectively?
- Will bipartisan compromise become necessary?
- How will budget negotiations unfold?
Why It Matters
Minnesota’s closely divided political balance is forcing negotiation between the DFL and Republicans.
2. Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota
Key Questions
- How should Minnesota respond to increased federal immigration enforcement?
- What role should local governments play?
- How should protests and public safety concerns be handled?
Why It Matters
Immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota have generated intense political and public debate.
3. Housing Affordability & Homelessness
Key Questions
- How can Minnesota increase affordable housing?
- Should zoning laws be reformed?
- How should homelessness be addressed statewide?
Why It Matters
Housing costs and homelessness remain major concerns in both the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
4. Education Policy
Key Questions
- How should Minnesota address school funding?
- What role should cultural and social issues play in curriculum debates?
- How should the state address achievement gaps?
Why It Matters
Education continues to be a major battleground involving funding, equity, and political ideology.
5. Public Safety & Police Reform
Key Questions
- What reforms should follow the post-2020 policing debates?
- How should cities balance police staffing with reform efforts?
- What strategies best address violent crime?
Why It Matters
Minnesota remains nationally significant in discussions about policing and criminal justice reform.
6. Climate & Environmental Policy
Key Questions
- How quickly should Minnesota transition toward renewable energy?
- How should the state protect water resources and agriculture?
- What role should green infrastructure play in economic development?
Why It Matters
Minnesota is increasingly investing in clean energy, climate resilience, and sustainability initiatives.
7. Rural vs. Urban Political Divide
Key Questions
- How can Minnesota bridge growing political differences between the Twin Cities metro and rural communities?
- How should agricultural and urban priorities be balanced?
Why It Matters
This divide increasingly shapes elections, infrastructure spending, and statewide political strategy.
A Flurry of Activity at the Diana Murphy United States Courthouse Sans Todd Blanche
National & Minnesota Report
Yesterday, on the 12th Floor in US District Judge Nancy Brasel’s courtroom the declared ringleader of the “Feeding Our Future”, pandemic fraud scheme Aimee Bock, faced sentencing. Prior to the sentencing, attempted to leverage the media and state lawmakers to get a lighter sentence. She leaking protected documents and giving jailhouse interviews blaming others and tried to scapegoat Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) and State Attorney General Keith Ellison (DFL-MN) as unfairly targeting her.
All of this was for naught. The result, Bock was sentenced to to 500 months in federal prison and she was also ordered to pay $242 million in restitution.
A gaggle of reporters sat on the ground floor and a podium was set-up for the two sides to make their claims.
Meanwhile, upstairs on the 6th floor in a press briefing room outside of the US Attorney’s office. The press conference started over 30 minutes late and kicked off with the first Assistant Attorney General for the National Fraud Enforcement Division Colin McDonald. He accounted for an alleged $90 million in the multiple fraud schemes.The entirety of the press conference is available here.
Originally, acting FBI Director Todd Blanche was supposed to attend, but he was busily defending the newly manifested Donald J Trump (R) Slush Fund officially called the Anti-Weaponization Fund (AWF). Its clear this is a problematic issue for Republicans in both the House and Senate, and especially after Trump’s endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R-TX) over seated US Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Trump’s successful targeting of US Senator Dr Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Congressman Thomas Massey (R-KY04) in their respective Primary’s, Capitol Hill is a hornet’s nest and the leadership quickly recessed for the Memorial holiday rather than have discussions over the AWF or the War Powers Act.
We then heard from US Attorney Daniel Rosen who provided the local connection to all of the fraud illegalities which transpired over the course of time.
The assembled heard announcements of additional charges being brought against 15 other individuals who had committed fraud against Minnesotans and all federal taxpayers for abuse of Medicare supported programs for Homelessness, Autism five other programs. In fact, the Housing Stabilization program, which had a limited budget was so imperiled it was shutdown by Governor Walz on October 31, 2025.
McDonald has followed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr who ticked off inappropriate uses of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) programs and Kennedy passed over to CMS Administrator Dr Mehmet Oz.
Later Deputy FBI Director Christopher Raia ticked off a number of items including a warrant for a fleeing suspect Mohamed Omar, who evaded law enforcement by jumping from a fourth floor of a building to escape arrest. He also, gave a hat tip to Nick Shirley for his bring to light some of these issues.
Now, Shirley is not truly what he seems to be, he is purported to be a Right-wing Influencer, who supposedly exposed the fraud of Somali daycare’s, but during the arrest during protests in March at the State Capitol, we have learned the police who booked the protesters acknowledged the fact Shirley was brought in and quickly out the backdoor, because he was part of the FBI.
One other interesting question was offered by a self declared “Community Journalist”, who described his own adverse impact from fraud, to which McDonald responded with this being a potential opportunity for him to apply for AWF monies.
With the protests in Minneapolis, Donald J Trump (R) said there were paid protester agitators on the Left, when its clear Shirley was a paid protester agitator on the Right.
Minnesota is Not Alone
McDonald announced the Anit-Fraud Task-force led by J D Vance (R) and He said along with Minnesota New York and Los Angeles are areas of interest. Raia called attention to the Medicare Task-force being built around 15 new attorneys saying, “DOJ are intent on building a Fraud Fighting Apparatus,” and establishing criminal culpability.
Another Issue in the Somali Community Worth Investigating by the FBI
International, National & Minnesota Report
We were interested in getting inside the press briefing, but came up a little short on the list. We did want to ask the following question of Deputy FBI Director Christopher Raia and the US Attorney Daniel Rosen:
During the George Floyd Riots and the cover of night, many Somali-owned businesses were torched. Originally, were had heard these were actions of inter-tribal which stem all the way back to factionalization from Somalia. Now, further information has come forward, and in the light of the call for separation and independence of Somaliland from Somali proper, there is speculation that much of this arson was against the Somalilanders.
If true in any regard it warrants FBI attention.
Now, Donald J Trump (R) might be warm to this idea since Somaliland along with Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Libya were countries who came forward to offer their states for Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
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
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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
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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
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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
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Candidates Wolgamott and Ek are Each, Seeking a Shot at Redemption
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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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