News Releases
ABC-Anyone But Carter? A Clear Pattern Emerges in St. Paul’s Mayoral Race
Minnesota Report
Now that the first major hurdle — campaign finance disclosures — is out of the way, a central theme in the 2025 St. Paul mayoral race is becoming clearer: this is shaping up to be an “Anyone But Carter” election.
Every challenger in the race — Yan Chen (DFL–St. Paul), Kaohly Her (DFL–St. Paul), Mike Hilborn (R–St. Paul), and Adam Dullinger (DSC–St. Paul) — has staked a position in direct opposition to incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter III (DFL–St. Paul). While united in their criticism, their reasons for opposing the mayor differ significantly:
- Yan Chen emphasizes public safety and has positioned herself as a vocal opponent of property tax increases, calling for a more transparent and disciplined approach to budgeting.
- Kaohly Her, while acknowledging Carter’s proposed budget cuts, advocates for reprioritizing city services, particularly increasing funding for first responders and public safety infrastructure.
- Mike Hilborn offers more general critiques, arguing that “St. Paul keeps doing things that sound good but are unsustainable in the long term,” though he has yet to articulate a detailed alternative plan.
- Adam Dullinger, thus far, has offered little in the way of a concrete platform, and his messaging remains underdeveloped.
Ranked Choice Dynamics: A Path to Victory for the Anti-Carter Bloc?
Because this election will use Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), a strategic path to victory may lie in the formation of a “Coalition of the Unwilling to Support Carter” — a group of candidates who, while distinct in ideology, are willing to support one another as second-choice options.
Looking ahead, our electoral crystal ball suggests the following likely RCV scenario:
- Dullinger, with minimal visibility and funding, is likely to be eliminated first, leaving his small base of voters to select an alternate. Should he endorse another candidate — even informally — it could provide a modest but meaningful bump in second-round tabulations.
- Hilborn, as the lone Republican in a deep-blue city, is expected to be eliminated early as well. The real question is how large his vote share will be — and where those votes migrate upon redistribution.
- At that point, the field likely narrows to the three viable candidates: Carter, Chen, and Her. The most pivotal moment in the RCV process will be who ends up in second place after the first reallocation. If the third-place candidate publicly endorses a rival before ballots are cast, it could have a significant strategic impact on voter behavior.
Turning Point: The September 17th Debate
All eyes will be on the League of Women Voters–sponsored debate on September 17th — just two days before absentee voting begins. This event may prove to be a defining moment in the campaign, particularly if the candidates are pressed to go beyond rehearsed talking points.
One question we believe should be asked is both timely and revealing:
“If you fail to receive enough votes and are removed from consideration, who would you suggest your supporters rank as their second-choice?”
This question cuts to the heart of the RCV strategy and could shape how voters navigate their rankings, especially among the anti-Carter voting bloc.
To submit this — or any other question — to the League of Women Voters for the upcoming debate, email: lwvstpaul@lwvmn.org.
Now That Summer Is Coming to a Close…
Minnesota Report
Normally, in an odd-numbered year, there isn’t much to discuss in politics beyond the municipal elections in Minneapolis and St. Paul. But that was before the chaos unleashed in the Bizarro world of Donald J Trump (R), where nearly every day brings a new wave of lunacy.
The tragic loss of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (DFL-34B, Brooklyn Park)—assassinated in an act that still leaves a deep ache in the hearts of those who respect democracy—has further shaken the political landscape.
The Minnesota Legislature, one of the most closely divided in the nation, now hinges on the Special Election in District 34B, where the outcome could shift the balance of power in the Minnesota House of Representatives. The race features Xp Lee (DFL-34B, Brooklyn Park), a current Brooklyn Park City Council member and employee of the Minnesota Department of Health, facing off against Ruth Bittner (R-34B, Brooklyn Park), a real estate agent. If Bittner wins, the Republicans would gain the majority and dramatically alter the current power dynamic in the state.
Additionally, the Special Elections in Senate Districts 29 and 47 will determine control of the Minnesota Senate, where the majority also hangs in the balance.
In District 29, a northwestern exurban area, the race to replace the late SenatorBruce Anderson (R-29, Buffalo) is expected to remain in Republican hands. The candidates are Michael Holmstrom Jr (R-29, Buffalo), a business owner known for his strong anti-abortion stance, and Louis McNutt (DFL-29, Buffalo), a union truck driver for the State of Minnesota. In the 2022 election, Anderson carried the district with 61% of the vote.
The contest drawing the most attention is in Woodbury, where voters will elect a replacement for former Sen Nicole Mitchell (DFL-47, Woodbury) following her felony burglary conviction. The candidates are Rep Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger (DFL-47, Woodbury) and Dwight Dorau (R-47, Woodbury).
This race could have a domino effect. If Hemmingsen-Jaeger, who won her half of the district in 2024 with 60.62% of the vote, prevails, another Special Election will likely be held before year’s end to fill her vacated seat in the Minnesota House.
And Yes, There Is More: Municipal Elections
Minnesota Report
As municipal elections near, critical decisions loom in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Voters should pay close attention to who is asking for their vote—and what their record actually shows.
Minneapolis: A Defining Race for the City’s Future
In Minneapolis, the race for mayor pits two-term incumbent Jacob Frey (DFL-Minneapolis) against State Senator Omar Fateh (DFL-62, Minneapolis), a candidate whose legitimacy is already under a cloud.
Fateh’s bid is tainted by serious irregularities. The State DFL Party took the rare step of revoking his endorsement after credible allegations surfaced regarding a deeply flawed delegate credentialing process and questionable vote tabulation. In a party that thrives on grassroots legitimacy, this kind of procedural malpractice is disqualifying.
Fateh is not just a candidate with technical issues—he is a torchbearer for the Democratic Socialists, a political faction that is not merely a wing of the Democratic Party, but an entirely separate ideology. This group actively seeks to dismantle core institutions, including law enforcement, capitalism, and the very idea of compromise politics. They may share a ballot line, but they do not share values with traditional Democrats.
This election now becomes a stark choice: Jewish mayor versus a Somali Muslim challenger who aligns himself with an insurgent political ideology. The racial and religious dynamics are unavoidable, especially considering that both candidates will seek support from constituents in and around the West Bank area—an ethnically diverse but politically fractured community.
St. Paul: Decline Under Carter, and a Crisis of Leadership
Across the river in St. Paul, two-term incumbent Melvin Carter III (DFL-St. Paul) faces mounting criticism for his stewardship of Minnesota’s Capitol city. The once-functioning city DFL is now in tatters, unable even to hold an endorsement convention. This collapse occurred on Carter’s watch, and it speaks volumes about his political management and coalition-building skills—or lack thereof.
The mayor now finds himself being challenged by multiple candidates, including State Rep Kaohly Her (DFL-64A)—a former staffer of Carter’s. That fact alone raises eyebrows. What did she witness or experience in his administration that led her to run against her former boss? Her candidacy is a strong signal, showing the lack of internal confidence in Carter’s leadership is crumbling.
Under Carter, St. Paul has faced more than just national crises like COVID-19 or the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. His tenure has seen a deepening of urban decay, especially in the downtown core. Beyond the small-scale pilot programs—such as eliminating library fines, launching a college scholarship fund, and experimenting with direct cash transfers—the city is struggling with real, tangible issues that Carter has failed to address:
- Rampant street crime and public drug use
- Closure of two major grocery stores, largely due to unchecked shoplifting
- Rising property taxes, which are driving both businesses and families out of the city
- Diminishing police presence amid whispers of potential cuts to public safety funding
Carter’s administration recently announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration—a convenient distraction and a predictable scapegoat. The truth is, if the city’s budget is this fragile, it is because Carter failed to plan for contingencies and relied too heavily on federal support without building resilient, local economic structures.
Even now, we hear that Carter may promise to hold the line on additional city levy increases, a position echoed by his opponent Yan Chen. But unless he can clearly identify cuts or growth strategies to offset this pledge, it rings hollow—yet another campaign talking point likely to be abandoned post-election.
The Stakes for St. Paul
What is at stake here is not just political control. It is the city’s future economic viability and livability. Property tax hikes are becoming untenable. Downtown St. Paul is no longer a magnet—it is becoming a deterrent. Businesses are closing. Families are leaving. And the people coming in are fewer and fewer.
The need for leadership that can do more than speak in platitudes or launch feel-good pilot programs. St. Paul needs a mayor who can restore safety, foster economic development, and bring real governance back to city hall—not another four years of avoidance and ideological posturing.
Conclusion
Both Minneapolis and St. Paul face pivotal mayoral contests. In both cities, incumbent mayors are being challenged—not just by political opponents, but by the consequences of situations in their communities. Voters should reject candidates like Omar Fateh, whose record is marred by procedural scandal and radical affiliations, and Melvin Carter, whose leadership has coincided with institutional decline, rising crime, and economic stagnation.
These elections are not just referenda on individual candidates—they are a referendum on the direction of the Twin Cities. Voter’s should not choose decline disguised as progress.
Results of the 2025 State Fair Legislative Polls
Minnesota Report
Here is our standard offering from the Minnesota State Fair. Read these results and you will see some of the priorities for the four different legislative caucuses in the forthcoming 2026 legislative session.
https://www.house.mn.gov/hinfo/fair/2025Results.pdf
https://www.senate.mn/departments/secretary/info/statefair/Poll-Results.pdf
Here is Our Offering to St Paul
Minnesota Report
Here is Our Offering to St Paul
Checks & Balances was born in St Paul, and we care about the Capitol City and so we created something for you to see. It’s intended to make a mockery of the current administration and diminish the substandard leadership. We now render a strict condemnation of the Melvin Carter III administration as bad from the start and poor at the finish, and overall just pathetic.
Our publisher Shawn Towle, helped him to achieve the mayoral position and now truly regrets the assistance given. We say, Just Go Away.
To this end, we have produced a video for your enjoyment and encourage you to share it broadly. Help this story get legs.
Click on the link to view.
2025 Annual State Fair Polls
Minnesota Report
Once again, we provide you the State Fair Polls, which historically, we have learned these questions will often become issues for consideration in each body, and potentially legislation during the forthcoming legislative session. The results will be available on the respective legislative websites and we will also provide them here.
Minnesota House of Representatives – 2025 State Fair Poll
Question 1
Should school districts be permanently allowed to start classes before Labor Day?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 2
Should state funds be used to renovate or build professional sports stadiums or arenas in Minnesota?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 3
Should undocumented immigrants be prohibited from accessing state programs?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 4
Should hourly school workers be eligible to receive unemployment during the summer?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 5
State law currently allows people with a permit to carry to bring a gun inside the State Capitol. Should guns be banned in the building?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 6
The state is projected to face a nearly $6 billion deficit in the 2028–29 biennium. In general, what is your preferred way to balance the state budget in a time of shortfall?
- Increase revenue
- Decrease spending
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 7
Should candidates for the Legislature appear on the ballot without their political party designation?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 8
Minnesota provides free breakfast and lunch for all students. Should access to free meals be limited to families earning $150,000 or less a year?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 9
Should Minnesotans age 65 and older be allowed to receive a free fishing license?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 10
Should cities and counties be allowed to prohibit cannabis businesses in their community?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 11
Should legislators be banned from acting or registering as lobbyists for two years after leaving office?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 12
Minnesota’s highest tax rate is currently 9.85% for married couples earning at least $330,411 or single filers earning at least $198,631. Should the state institute a higher income tax rate for its highest earners?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Minnesota Senate – 2025 State Fair Poll
Demographic Question I
What area best describes where you live?
- Minneapolis / Saint Paul
- Rural
- Suburban
- A regional hub of at least 40,000 people (Rochester, Duluth, Saint Cloud, Mankato, Moorhead)
- Another part of the state
- I prefer not to answer
Demographic Question II
What is your age?
- 17 or younger
- 18–24
- 25–34
- 35–49
- 50–64
- 65 or older
- I prefer not to answer
Question 1
Should the legislature pass a new law to prohibit cat declawing?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 2
Some Minnesota state agencies have established offices to independently oversee and investigate fraud programs administered by that agency. Should the legislature create a new state agency dedicated to investigating fraud, waste, and abuse across all state agencies?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 3
Should it be illegal for Minnesota employers to use artificial intelligence (AI) hiring tools in lieu of more traditional labor-intensive recruiting, screening, and interviewing methods?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 4
Under current law, IT equipment and software purchased for use in certain data centers is exempt from Minnesota sales tax. A data center may benefit from the sales tax exemption for up to 35 years. Do you support this tax benefit for data centers?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 5
Under current law, the owner of an agricultural crop or pasture may be compensated by the state for damages to that acreage caused by wild elk. Should this program be expanded to include damage caused by wild deer?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 6
For-profit social media platform businesses operating in Minnesota pay taxes on their businesses’ taxable income and sales in Minnesota. Should the state create an additional new tax on these businesses based on the number of Minnesota consumers from whom the businesses collect personal data?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 7
Currently, vacancies in the Minnesota legislature are filled only through special elections, which can leave districts unrepresented for a period of time. Should the governor have the authority to appoint a temporary replacement until the special election takes place?
- Yes
- Yes, but the governor must appoint a person from the same political party as the last person who held the office
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 8
Students in kindergarten through grade 12 who attend nonpublic schools or homeschools are eligible to receive certain publicly-funded materials and services, including textbooks and other educational materials, pupil support services, health services, and transportation. Should the state continue spending public funds on these services and materials for nonpublic students?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 9
Under current law, non-licensed hourly school employees such as bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and paraprofessionals are not allowed to receive state-funded unemployment benefits during the summer when school is not in session. Should the legislature change state law to exclude this restriction and allow school employees to qualify for unemployment benefits year-round?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided/No opinion
Question 10
Currently, cities may pass local zoning ordinances allowing duplexes, triplexes, or ADU (e.g. mother-in-law suites) on lots zoned for single-family residences. Should the legislature enact statewide laws requiring all cities to approve these types of dwellings on lots currently zoned for single-family units?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided
Donald Trump is an Idiot, and He Can’t Count
National & Minnesota Report
We learned long ago to “Beware the Unititended Consequences”, but Donald J Trump’s (R) most recent bout showing his (lack of) brilliance, while he sports a hat making an unfounded, contrary statement, (Trump was Always Right About Everything) consists of, choosing the determination of those allowed to be counted in the census, based only on citizenship. It’s down right dumb. Only counting those American citizens or like his wife Melania, a naturalized person, effectively limits those whose made it across the bar and are countable is fricking stupid.
If Trump could actually count, the US House districts effected by undocumented immigrants will be reduced in size significantly and the whole map of the 435 US House district shifts. Its like Jenga.
The census reads: Article I, Section 2, decennial census (a headcount every 10 years) to apportion representatives among states and for other purposes. This enumeration of “persons” every 10 years is conducted “in such Manner as [Congress] shall by Law direct”. The census determines how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives and is used for redistricting, as well as for distributing federal funds to communities.
So this means, the numbers shown, in 2023, provide the US unauthorized immigrant population reached a record high of 14 million, with a significant portion residing in states like California, Texas, and Florida. While these three states accounted for 56% of the total unauthorized immigrant population in 2023, other states with notable populations included New York, New Jersey, and Illinois.
State-by-state breakdown of unauthorized immigrants based on 2023 estimates are:
- California: 2.3 million
- Texas: 2.1 million
- Florida: 1.6 million
- New York: 825,000
- New Jersey: 600,000
- Illinois: 550,000
If these are starter numbers, and then applying the political aspects to these numbers, 4.275 million people are represented by Democrats and 3.70 million by Republicans. Now, if we extrapolate these numbers across the nation it gets more interesting, but not as informative. Why, because not every state is as partisan driven or, a place as dogmatically or as slavenly tied to Trump, or at least we hope not.
This is significant, because, again the states decide their own application of voting and their own determination of voting districts within the confides of their own state boundaries. The jurisdictions are defined by the respective state legislatures and again it is determined by the majorities in each.
We have only reflected the House districts numerically, but guess what, the voter have their own minds and can make different things happen. Historically, the party in power of the presidency losses 26 seats in the mid-term elections. Hopefully, that holds true. If the maps are shifted in the mid-term it could change or even be exasperated.
As goes Texas, which currently at a 25 to 13 on a Republican/Democratic split. Compared to California, which is has 52 representatives: 43 Democrat/9 Republican. If this pursuit follows, New York is represented by 26 members of Congress, 19 Democrats and 7 Republicans. Illinois has Democrats and 3 Republicans, but its not a game, like Dominos.
If you reduce the number of people, state-by-state, the size of the districts shift and the impact of southern states lessen.
Its just simple math.
Will Walz Seek Reelection?
Minnesota Report
Good Question. We believe it is not likely. Why because Governor Tim Walz (DFL) doesn’t need the job, as we previously expressed, he has three pensions, so he is fine financially.
So what does his decision mean? We declare its Domino Theory, he moves out and others move in and they fall accordingly. In 2025, the pieces move like those on a chess board for 2026.
Now, rumors abound, if Walz is out US Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) moves in and Walz moves back to Washington DC,. Its a random, but an option. The problem with this idea is Klobuchar whether or not wants to leave DC, especially when she is high up of the leadership scale.
If the Senator were to be interested and make the move and win then the Governor could appoint Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL) to the open seat, State Senate President Bobby Jo Champion (DFL-58, Minneapolis) would move over to Lt Governor, and Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN02) would have an unchallenged path to the other Senate seat on November 3, 2026.
This begs the question of who her running mate would be, or if the scenario were to be, Walz seeks reelection, who his running mate would be. Some speculation St Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III. If this were to be true, then does Carter bow out of his bid for reelection?
No matter what, Walz’ decision is, it impacts the political landscape one-way or another.
Walz has said his decision will occur right after the State Fair, so stay tuned.
Why St Paul is So Messed Up Financially?
Mineesota Report
This is our opinion and go ahead and sue us. Jim Cockerall, through Madison Equities and screwed St Paul. He through and through, with the acquisitions of properties such as the Lowery Building, the building which housed the Hat Trick bar, the building where World of Beer was located, and Park Square Plaza, are now all vacant. His operation, played the role as a bottom feeder and utilized a poverty based system started by Norm Coleman (R), Tax Increment Financing (TIF) when the Capitol City had a robust downtown, which at the time, performed even better than Minneapolis. Now, this wrongly headed system is sucking the life out of the downtown of St Paul and benefiting only an affluent at the expense of all of the other property taxpayers to the tune of 40% of the tax base.
St Paul is dying and nearly dead and it is something being managed by an inadequate person, in the case of Melvin Carter III (DFL). He’s out of his league. Sure, he is a good cheerleader, but poor leader. Many believe he is only seeking a rung up the political ladder.
If he is so good, why is a former staffer, and political aide, Kaohly Her (DFL), challenging him? Is this just a set-up? Is this just inside baseball, are we being played?
Well, we’ll see once it all plays out. Watch and see.
Field of Candidates in St Paul Mayoral Race Continue to Grow
Minnesota Report
Yesterday, we learned State Representative Kaohly Her (DFL-64A, St Paul) is committed to file for mayor of the Capitol City when the filing opens on April 29th. She is a four-term legislator, Hmong woman, who had the fortune to be in the right place at the right time in 2018, when Rep Erin Murphy (DFL-64A, St Paul) received the DFL endorsement and began her unsuccessful bid for Governor, falling to Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN01).
In this instance, Her’s bid is a direct affront to the incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter III (DFL-St Paul) and politically, they share the left lane. If the two of them carve up this path, and as we speculate the political landscape, in even a community like St Paul, is changing. Now, because her job is listed as a a Saint Paul, Minnesota (Policy Director), we are unclear as to what this entails but there are references to her working in this capacity directly for Carter. Its clear something must have transpired between the two if she seeks to challenge her old boss.
We also see her campaign slogan being as simple as Vote for Her.
As we understand, the pending field now includes Yan Chen (DFL-St Paul), a pragmatic, and fiscally-responsible Democrat, University of Minnesota Biophysics researcher, a landlord in residential housing and Chinese immigrant, and Mike Hilborn, a businessman and self-declared Independent, who ran as a Republican for the state House in 2024. We have heard other potential names, but at this time, these are the only people making moves.
The question over the impact of Ranked Choice Voting, and its cummulative effect, as the votes are reallocated, will provide an interesting spate of tabulations. A simplistic view of the field is Carter v Three (Her, Chen, and Hilborn) and this could set the stage for a novel approach to the system and something we abhor, the idea of collusion campaigning.
If there is a more moderate, or even conservative sentiment occurring, it might be a reflection of Donald J Trump’s (R) influence, but not likely, it probably is a result of the negative perception extending from the alt-left agenda of entities like the Democratic Socialists, and the challenges emanating from transgender inclusion in girl’s and women’s sports. These realities are some of the challenges facing a party overly focused on social issues rather than pocketbook issues.
We have learned of analysis by the DFL Party, which has growing concerns of significant loses in its base in the Twin Cities. They have numbers reflecting this, showing a 40% loss in Minneapolis in the DFL voting base and 30% in St Paul. If these two candidates carve up the left side of the formula, it leaves room for other candidacies.
Now, one issue of which we have been exposed is the ludicrous idea of putting an elevated bicycle path on both sides of Summit Avenue. One major feature being the destruction of over 900 boulevard trees and a redevelopment of the cities, sewer and water system. This coupled with a property tax increase of 25% on the homes on Summit to pay for the project. It’s clear, this is an idea needs to go back to the drawing board and get another look and analysis, especially, since the proposal lacks any reflection of the changes in none automobile transportation. The increased use of electric bicycles and scooters—which as transportation vehicles, should not be allowed on bicycle paths—is something worth serious consideration.
The state of affairs in St Paul is dismal. It downtown is a wasteland, businesses a fleeing. The loss of the Lunds/Beyerlys downtown is a direct example of the decay caused by shoplifting, lack of law enforcement, and unmitigated urban decay caused by the rampant drug use of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. Additionally, the Midway Cub Foods is set to close due to theft of shopping carts, and shoplifting. Anyone pushing a shopping cart off of the cite to which it belongs, is a perpetrator and warrants a citation. If the pockets of homelessness and the gatherings of the drug crowd are not squelched it will be hard to reclaim the streets of St Paul from the users over then needs of the productive members of society.
We call for Zero Tolerance for any public drug use, and even believe allowance of smoking Marijuana should be curtailed to designated areas outside of one’s home. No more walking down the street with a blunt. Drinking and eating cannabis products are fine, but no more public smoking.
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...