News Releases
Musk/Trump’s Attack on the Civil Service System
National & Minnesota Politics
Patronage has often been a desired component to government. We support different applications of this normally sought after aspect once a person or a party is election to office. The concept of rewarding ones friends and crushing ones enemies is truly logical. To suppress one’s political opponents is a result of modern day politics. The problem is if government is purely patronage based it is truly hard to manage and lacks credibility and continuity.
Federally, the Civil Service System was first created in 1871, and during the term of President Chester A Arthur (R) 1881-85 in the midst of his single term Congress passed and he signed the Civil Service Reform Act referred to as the Pendleton Act in 1883. This provided a less patronage based system and in effect professionalized the federal government employees.
The Project 2025 implementation crafted by the Heritage Foundation and authorized by Donald J Trump (R) and his self-appointed executioner Elon Musk who is applying a sledgehammer through his disruptive approach rather than a surgical/methodical/deliberative approach. Sure, there will be significant job loss in the federal employment ranks and serious needs will be uncovered, but when the back-fill happens it will be strictly from Trump loyalists. This means the Congressional elections in 2026 will be essential to offset the impact. The only actual beautiful poetic result would be if Democrats ran the table and had a majority in the House and a 60 vote majority in the Senate, which is highly unlikely, but then Trump and the US Supreme Court could actually be impeached.
Wait, this must be a fever dream.
Why Walz and DFLers Need to Realistically Assess Their Political Opportunities
National & Minnesota Report
If Governor Tim Walz (DFL) were to ask for political advice from this direction, which he never has before, we would not advise him to seek reelection. The first reason, since the change to four-years terms in 1962 there has never been a three-term governor in state history. So, swimming against this historical tide is great. Second, in 2018 Walz and Flanagan received 53.84% and in 2022 52.27% which are not very robust numbers. Third, the creation of the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee in the state House which we think of as the Walz public flogging committee, will provide a constant drumbeat against his administration. Fourth, because of the political drubbing the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz (D) campaign experienced at the hands of Donald J Trump/JD Vance (R) nationwide and since they only won by 50.92% here in Minnesota, the political luster is fading rapidly. Fifth, the questions brought forward during the campaign about Walz’ DWI, military service record, his claims of having carried a weapon of war in a conflict and the other insignificant issues that arose during the campaign.
Its clear, Walz reveled in the political limelight he experienced during the Presidential campaign. He had a great seat prior to being selected as Harris’ running mate as the head of the Democratic Governor’s Association and traveled liberally across the nation.
The selection of Ken Martin as the DNC Chair is likely seen elsewhere as a benefit to Walz should he seek the Presidency himself in 2028, as well as US Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). The Democratic Party, unlike the Republican Party does not automatically ascribe the assumption of “favorite” or front runner to the Vice-Presidential candidate if the seat is open. This means Walz might see a US Senate bid as a way to keep his hopes alive.
The questions about whether or not he is a worthy candidate for this office must also address the issues we have discussed above. Additionally, if he were to pursue this path, he will run up against a number of people some of who, like Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN02) who are better financed and may have a higher favor ability rating. Not to mention his Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL-MN), but she also carries a lot of the weight of his administration herself.
What are the Checks & Balance Rules We Believe Every Candidate Should Adhere To?
National & Everywhere
In our publisher Shawn Towle’s over 38-years of political experience, he has worked on campaigns, participated in party politics, successfully lobbied at both the federal, state (MN, IA, WI, and CA) and municipal levels of government and written extensively.
This has resulted in our sage publication and some Words of Wisdom.
Three Rules for Every Politician to Embrace
1 Know your own narrative, both affirmatively and adversely.
a. First thing to do before becoming a candidate is to have opposition research done on yourself.
2. Understand every time a potential voter, a constituent asks a question, there is actually only one answer they are looking for.
a. What are you going to do for me.
b. Do not surround yourself with just yes men/women.
3. Always have worthwhile contrary opinions voiced around you before making decisions.
a. Being surrounded by sycophants and bootlickers will create blind spots and provide an overly inflated value of self-worth.
What’s Wrong With the DFL Endorsement Process?
Minnesota Report
Its a political reality, political parties rise and fall based on the outcomes of elections.As the future of the DFL’s caucus-based system, which is currently suspect, its doubtful it will change in a fashion to improve its ability to produce winning candidates. As an individual, our publisher Shawn Towle, someone who had played a role in helping shape the party process over a decade ago, now witnesses how it has dramatically changed, and not for the better.
The DFL has become a party which has long surpassed those efforts and went fully off the rails, deteriorating into an identity based political reinforcement and advancement mechanism. Currently, its focus is not a system based on winning elections, but rather advancing a bizarre ideology, seeking not just application locally in places like Minneapolis but statewide, and rather on advancing an ideological of that is far outside of the mainstream.
There are a number of issues if we raised them here, would result in us being flamed, derided and discounted. So, we will not feed the beast with any red meat, but suffice it to say. We clearly support equal treatment under the law, and no special treatment for any group or cause.
We oppose any form of discrimination against any person based on race, gender or sexual orientation. Additionally, with the purpose of the DFL being election of Democrats and yes, they are Democratic-Farmers Laborers, they should focus on issues that build strong bonds with the electorate, rather than the fringe issues that alienate the voting base. Those issues which unif and build winning coalitions and those that provide discomfort do not.
Why Wednesday House Sessions?
Minnesota Report
Legislative followers should be asking themselves why the House of Representative are having Wednesday legislative sessions. In our previous article pondering the idea of the House passing a budget bill prior to the March 11th Special election in House District 40B, Roseville has been given credence from within the ranks of the DFL House. A member has said, it is totally possible the House could capitalize on the window between the release of the Revenue Forecast on March 6th and the swearing in of the victor, assuming it is David Gottfried (DFL) later.
This means the forecast will allow for the setting of targets or limits for funding and unless there is a Tax Bill or other legislation that creates revenue, like the Sports Betting, the House position will be established.
Looks like our institutional knowledge once again has value.
Protecting Our Children’s Digital Future
National & Minnesota Report
As our lives become increasingly digital, we need a balanced approach to children’s online safety—one that ensures both protection and access to digital resources. While online platforms are essential for education, career development, and social connection, the current safety measures create significant challenges for families.
The core problem lies in how safety measures are scattered across different platforms. Parents must navigate multiple systems, each with its own controls and verification methods. This fragmented approach not only creates hassles but also puts family privacy at risk by spreading sensitive information across many platforms.
A better solution would be to combine parental controls at the app store level. This unified system would make things easier for all families, especially those with busy schedules or less tech experience. Parents would have one simple control panel while their children maintain access to important online resources.
The technology for this solution already exists. What’s missing is the legislative action to make it happen. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a system that works for families from all backgrounds.
We need federal action to replace our patchwork of safety measures with one cohesive system. App store-level controls would create an environment where safety and accessibility work together, giving families the confidence to navigate the digital world.
The Power and Potential of Political Trifectas
National & Minnesota Report
Prescription drug prices in America are out of control. While pharmaceutical companies rake in massive profits, everyday Americans are struggling to afford life-saving medications. Over the past decade, drug prices have skyrocketed – some by as much as 5,000% – often without clinical justification. Meanwhile, Americans are paying more than three times the price for the same drugs as people in other wealthy nations.
The reason? Big Pharma sets its own prices, engages in anticompetitive practices, and has spent millions lobbying against reforms that would bring costs down. A poll found that a staggering 89% of Republicans, 84% of Democrats, and 78% of Independents agree that pharmaceutical company profits are a major factor in rising drug costs. Yet, the industry continues to exploit a corrupt system where executives move between Big Pharma and the very agencies meant to regulate them, ensuring corporate interests always come first.
At the state level, we’ve seen what’s possible when leaders take action. When Democrats held a trifecta in Minnesota, they made major progress on healthcare affordability, including capping insulin prices and expanding access to prescription drugs for low-income residents. They proved that change is possible – when there’s political will to stand up to corporate interests. Now, with Republicans controlling the House, Senate, and White House, the opportunity to rein in Big Pharma on a national level is here.
As Majority Whip, Minnesota’s own Congressman Tom Emmer (R-MN06) has the power to push meaningful reforms through Congress. The question is: will Republicans deliver? True action may look like the following:
- Stop price gouging and cap drug prices.
- Ensure life-saving medications are affordable for all.
- End the revolving door between Big Pharma and government agencies.
- Make Big Pharma pay its fair share of taxes.
Minnesota Democrats showed that reform is possible – now it’s time for Republicans to prove they can do the same. Americans can’t afford to wait.
Trump’s Lies and Misrepresentations Continue in His Second Term, Are You Really Surprised?
National & Minnesota Report
Bad TV, is just what it says, bad. Soap Operas, Reality Television and now the Donald J Trump’s Second Act are all just the same, just bad television, with one distinctive difference, the fate of American Democracy hangs in the balance. As Trump fosters an ongoing saga, the gawkers watch the adverse actions in anticipation of what will happen next, and what will be destroyed through Executive Order. Its like watching an airplane crash, sad to say this has already occurred multiple times since his inauguration, or a train wreck.
This coupled being subjected to the whims and the wills of Elon Musk his unelected co-conspirator head of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Ironically, Musk could be considered an illegal immigrant. He came to America on a student visa to Stanford, but left to start Zip2 thus violating the visa and in turn overstayed his time. But as the inheritor of a South African emerald mine and successful entrepreneur, bought his American citizenship.
This Trump show features too many twists and turns, felicitated by lies and blatant falsities to justify their actions. Musk gets Trump to target mechanisms of government which impede his conflicted business interests such as the former head of the Mike Whitaker, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which had suspended further Space X launches on January 17 after the Falcon 9 rocket exploded and strafed the skies of Florida.
With too many long-term implications from the what is clearly the Trump Blueprint, the Heritage Foundation Project 2025 is the simple script, Executive Orders are the distraction establishing a level of frenetic activity intended to juxtapose this old white guy differently than the last old white guy, in order to garner attention and distract from the actual undermining of American Society. The fundamental difference is the sheer vehemence and vengeance he brings with him. What Trump is clearly advancing is the shared frustration of loss felt by white men who have felt passed over, looked past and nearly forgotten. This coupled with those immigrant who, unlike Musk, waited their turn played by the rules and received their citizenship in the correct legal fashion.
This ascension white nationalism wedded with is not isolated to America, but is rampant aboard. The rise of the Alternative für Deuschland (AfD) in Germany, lest we forget the Germans voted for facism in the Nazi’s in the 1030’s and with Trump’s election, so did America now white supremacy is the order of the day. One major difference is Jews are not the targets because controlling a part of Israel a way to gain more influence in the Middle East and the Mediterranean because the Suez Canal exists and trying to regain control of the Panama Canal is a perfect way to enrage Chinese President Xi Jingpin.
With the acquiescence of the Republican controlled Congress, where both the Senators and the House members fear reprisals from Trump should they not bend the knee to him, our Democracy will once again be tested. In 1803, in the Marbury v Madison, the US Supreme Court found it has the sole authority to determine what is Constitutional, meaning what is inline with our US Constitution, and no other entity has that authority. The problem is as has been expressed by Trump loyalists, as was first uttered by President Andrew Jackson (D) referred to as “Old Hickory”, “John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.”
We are including pictures of a work of art we own, which once hung in the West Publishing Building in St Paul. The work is by RW Nahstoll a past president of the Oregon Bar, and he was aquaitned with O. Meredith Wilson, ninth President fo the University of Minnesota, and past President of the University of Oregon.
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A portion work of art commerating the US Supreme Court Letter from the artist RW Nahstoll
Trump is now set to test the bounds of the power of the Presidency.
Relevant History of the Heritage Foundation
National & Minnesota Report
The Heritage Foundation (HF) was founded in 1973 by Paul Weyrich, Edwin Feulner, and Joseph Coors and a partially tongue-in-cheek fashion, under the premise Richard M Nixon wasn’t Conservative enough. In 1970, during the pre-Watergate portion of his presidency, Nixon took credit for the creation Environmental Protection Agency, in spite of directing monies to the states, he increased Medicare spending and supported affirmative policies which encouraged business to hire more minorities, to which the HF took umbrage.
The HF was integral to the Ronald W Reagan administration through its Mandate for Leadership, a series of books which provided his presidential playbook. It is now know for Project 2025, which in spite of lying about knowing its existence during the campaign. has become Donald Trump’s Presidential Transition Plan Project 2025.
Its implementation is even more interesting, the evil-genius, mastermind architect is Russell Vought, the Senate confirmed Secretary of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). With him in the role of all federal funding and the other cabinet appointees are poised to be just figureheads playing bit parts in the ongoing drama. The other cast of characters draw attention by making public appearances, such as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (R) who look good on camera, goes to the southern border wall and raids rounding up undocumented immigrants in New York City. It’s like she is on an episode of COPS.
Because of the broad reach of Homeland Security she has oversight of the US Coast Guard, US Customs, Cybersecurity, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Immigration enforcement, this means she can play multiple parts.
It’s not the Department or Agency figureheads, who are truly worth watching its the Under Secretaries and other minions who will be scouring the halls of the varies entities trying to root out non-Trump loyalists. The order of the day is not loyalty but fealty to the Imperial President.
Senator Tina Smith Announces She Will Not Seek Reelection
National & Minnesota Report
After two elections, one to fill out the balance of US Senator Al Franken’s (D-MN) term and now her own US Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) will not run in 2026. She has stated she wants to spend more time with her family specifically her four grandchildren. This means the Minnesota Political Domino Game will commence on both sides of the aisle.
The list of names has already started to grow and includes many, the true test will be which person can raise the requisite funds to be successful. Now, some will argue, the political parties will be a vehicle for a candidate lacking money, but there are very few Paul Wellstones. One fact is clear, Republicans have not won a statewide race since 2006.
The being names bantered about are familiar, because of this position’s importance and the ability to join American second smallest elite club, with the first being President. Names we are hearing tossed around include Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL-MN), which will create some interesting tensions on the westside of the Capitol, Congresswomen Angie Craig (D-MN02) Ilhan Omar (D-MN05), Mayors Jacob Frey (D-Mpls) and Melvin Carter (D-St Paul), on the Republican side, Congressmen Pete Stauber (R-MN08) and Brad Finstad (R-MN01), four term State Sen Karin Housley (R-33, Stillwater), who lost to Smith twice, and former Sports TV personality Michele Tafoya (R).
A midterm election during Donald J Trump’s (R) will be a rough and tumble affair and surely a race to watch. Since, every current politician mentioned is up for reelection, now that municipal elections are on even-years, they would need to sacrifice their current spot to reach for this brass ring, but a six-year term is a very enticing prize.
2018 State Fair Polls
Once again, we attended the Great-Minnesota-Get-Together and stopped by the legislative booths in the Education Building. We collected the Annual Polls from the House and Senate. As we have said, this often is an indicator of where the majorities legislative...
NPR Censors Opposition Comments on RCV
The NPR show 1A ran a program on Ranked Choice Voting today, and Checks & Balances Publisher Shawn Towle sought a spot on the panel. When called back by producer Andi McDaniel he was informed the panel was full but could submit a comment through the voicemail...
Corroborating Information on the Knoblach Story
Last year, we published a controversial and disturbing piece on House Ways & Means Chairman, Jim Knoblach (R-14B, St Cloud) regarding claims made by his daughter on her Facebook...
Pawlenty’s Second Deferral (He called us first with the news.)
Originally posted April 20, 2001 When the Vice-President of the United States calls someone who may believe is the person actually in charge, you stop and take notice. So seems to have been with the state House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty (R – 38B,...
Does Checks & Balances Deserve Credit/Blame for Bachmann’s Political Rise?
Originally published April 04, 2000 Original Title: Another Change in Parties? KSTP talk radio host Jason Lewis openly speculated on his program about the possibility of other members of the legislature leaving the Republican Party for greener pastures with the DFL....
2017 House State Fair Poll
Minnesota Report Official Ballot Minnesota House of Representatives 2017 State Fair Poll Question 1. Should handheld cell phone use be illegal when operating a motor vehicle, except in emergency situations?...
Rep Jim Knoblach Facing Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Daughter
Some disturbing information has come to our attention, alleging Rep. Jim Knoblach (R-14B, St Cloud) engaged in an abusive relationship with his daughter Laura, which if true are damning. We have received screenshots from her personal Facebook page, which has since...
2016 House State Fair Poll
We at Checks & Balances are continuing our tradition of publishing the State Fair Polls found at the State Fair booths in the Education Building. Official Ballot Minnesota House of Representatives 2016 State Fair Poll Question 1. Do you support an increase in the...
Legislative Return/Special Session 2020
Minnesota Report We are hearing the legislature will likely be recalled for Special Session June 12th, which is just before Governor Tim Walz’ (DFL-MN) last peacetime emergency declaration is set to expire. In order to declare another one, he will need to receive...
Alcohol From Restaurant to You
Minnesota Report The House and the Senate have agreed to allow alcohol sales to be purchased from restaurants, during the COVID-19 crisis, but only beer and wine. The problem with this is with liquor stores still open the cost will be higher without an added benefit,...
Caution is the Best Medicine
Minnesota Report As Donald J Trump (R) continues to discuss his preparation and planning, combined with his pressure to open up the United States for business again on May 1st, he does so in a potential conflict with the state’s governors. Here in Minnesota, he will...
What to Expect from the Legislature Today?
Minnesota Report The agenda for the legislature is limited and focused on issues surrounding the COVID-19 Virus and there are a number of ways it is adversely affecting our state. A view of the times for consideration by the House Rules and Legislative Administration...
What the House Looks Like During COVID-19
Minnesota Report Watching yesterday’s proceedings of the Minnesota House of Representatives during the passage of extension of Worker’s Compensation Benefits to First-Responders and other personnel who contract COVID-19 in the course of doing their jobs, was an...
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