CD3 News & Opinions

Republican Senate District Conventions Underway

Minnesota party caucuses have been conducted. Local senate district endorsing conventions are underway. Momentum is building toward the Republican National Convention in July.

Delegates to the senate district conventions will decide if they wish to endorse a Republican candidate for Minnesota legislative elections and if so, whom. They will also elect delegates and alternates to subsequent conventions at the Congressional District, State Party, and National levels. They will approve proposed adjustments to the state party platform. And they will hear from several speakers and other candidates about the 2023-2024 legislative sessions and the 2024 elections.

Four senate districts in CD3 have already held their conventions: SD35, SD37, SD38, and SD42.

Six more senate districts have conventions coming up:

  • SD34 April 6 Rogers High School Performing Arts Center, Rogers
  • SD45 April 6 Minnetonka High School, Minnetonka
  • SD51 April 10 1st Floor Meeting Room, 7700 France Ave., Edina.
  • SD49 April 13 Eden Prairie Central Middle School, Eden Prairie
  • SD50 April 13 Oak Grove Middle School, Bloomington
  • SD46 April 14 Hopkins Pavilion, Hopkins

Delegates and Alternates to these conventions were elected at their precinct caucuses on February 27. If you were so elected, you should be receiving a convention call at least 10 prior to your convention with details including times and costs. If you are not a Delegate or Alternate but would like to observe a senate district caucus, please check out your senate district website, contact your senate district chair, or reach out to CD3 Republicans at this link: 3rd Congressional District Republicans - About (cd3mngop.com)

Republican Candidates Declare for Open District 3 Congressional Seat

Four conservatives are reaching out to CD3 Republicans to seek our endorsement at our April 27 convention. Potential candidates have up to June 4 to file their candidacy.

Check out these links for more information on these candidates:
Tad Jude: Jude for Congress
Brad Kohler: Bradkohler.com
Jamie Page: Jamie Page for United States House of Representatives
Quentin Wittrock: Quentin for Congress

We are hosting a forum for these CD3 Congressional candidates on March 13. Please refer to the Event page flyer for more details.

Supreme Court to Hear Felon Voting Case

by Andy Cilek, Executive Director, Minnesota Voters Alliance

The Minnesota Supreme Court has granted accelerated review of the Minnesota Voters Alliance (MVA) challenge to the 2023 Felon Voting Law. Oral arguments will take place on April 1, 2024.

The newly passed law raises constitutional questions that demand prompt resolution as the conventional appellate process could extend uncertainty surrounding the law, potentially impacting the upcoming election season.

The Supreme Court needs to clarify its 2023 Schroeder v Simon decision, where the court did not reach a definitive ruling on what "restored to civil rights" means in the Constitution, or whether restoring "the civil right to vote" satisfies that constitutional requirement. The Court will now reach these crucial issues.

We believe the Minnesota Constitution requires restoration of the totality of a felon's civil rights lost upon sentencing before the felon can vote. The Felon Voting Law, however, restores the right to vote while the felon is still serving his sentence.

There are an estimated 55,000 felons in this state who have yet to complete their entire sentences.

By granting accelerated review, the Supreme Court has agreed with the MVA that, regardless of the Court's ultimate decision, it is critical for Minnesota citizens to have an answer prior to the 2024 election.

Click here to view the granting order. In case you missed it, here is our Petition For Review that was filed by the Upper Midwest Law Center.

This case represents MVA’s third appearance before the Minnesota Supreme Court during the last three years.

Legislative Update: Local Housing Bill

I’d like to highlight a bill that impacts local zoning laws and could impact the character of our 11 cities and all of Minnesota. House File 4009[HF 4009 Status in the House for the 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) (mn.gov)] is a bill authored by Representative Kraft (D-St. Louis Park) with the intent to address housing affordability. However, the bill author is trying to accomplish this by removing local control.

I hosted a town hall to discuss this very topic with our local leaders and community. After a great discussion, many phone calls, and emails, I voted no during the Housing Committee hearing. I was the only member from either party to do so because an increased density of up to 8 housing units per lot would cause strain on infrastructure needs, stormwater management, street parking limitations, and clean water issues.

Further, the bill’s removal of local control takes away public input and fails to allow local officials the ability to maintain city character.

As a former city council member and planning chair, I know we need to address housing affordability with a balanced and reasonable approach. That is why I drafted two bills that would help, including a first-time homebuyer interest rate buy-down program (House File 4253)[ HF 4253 Status in the House for the 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) (mn.gov)].

Additionally, I want to ensure that any additional restrictions to the state building code that would increase the cost of a house go through a stricter review. Because for every $1,000 increase in the price of a house, 3000 people are priced out of purchasing that home (House File 4435)[ HF 4435 Status in the House for the 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) (mn.gov)].

Finally, I am authoring a bill this week that would provide a sales tax exemption on all materials used in the building of a new home under $465,000, which would bring almost $20,000 in savings on the purchase price of a home.

These balanced solutions help address affordability, lack of inventory, and work to support Minnesota’s economy without taking away so much local control.

Trump Within Striking Distance in Minnesota

While Biden beat Donald Trump in Minnesota by more than 7% of the vote four years ago, there are early signs that the state could be more competitive this fall. Recent polls have put Trump within striking distance of Biden in the state, and the former president is promising to put resources [Donald Trump falsely claims he won Minnesota in 2020, then contradicts himself (startribune.com)] into trying to flip Minnesota red in November."

Turnout for the March 5 Presidential Primary is another indicator of trending political sentiment in Minnesota. Across the state, forty-one percent (41%) more Republicans voted than Democrats. In the 3rd Congressional District, 27% more voters asked for Republican ballots than asked for Democrat ballots

Briana Bierschbach, in a Star Tribune article published on March 16[Minnesota's 'uncommitted' vote on Super Tuesday could be a warning sign to Democrats in the fall (startribune.com)], noted that the drop in DFL voter turnout “should serve as a warning sign to Democrats and the Biden administration about the fall election.

"A lot of people I talked to on the doors just weren't going to show up on Super Tuesday and said they didn't want to show up in November either," said Asma Mohammed, an organizer with the uncommitted campaign.

"That should scare Democrats. I'm a lifelong Democrat and that scares me."

Republicans in CD3 need to keep the drumbeat going of Democratic missteps and Progressive overreach.

Election Season is Upon Us!

Attend your Republican Party Caucus on February 27

Over the next 4 months, the Republican Party in Minnesota will hold four important meetings that will shape the direction of our Party.  Now is the time for you to get involved, have your voice heard, and make a difference. 
 
First, attend your Minnesota Republican Party caucus, the primary means by which every conservative can impact the direction of the Party and the candidates that will campaign for our votes.  If you think the Republican Party is run by a few elite insiders, then you must attend your precinct caucus if you expect to see changes.

The caucuses are local meetings of voters who generally agree with the principles of the Republican Party.  In Congressional District 3, “precincts” are generally made up of a few neighborhoods, of people that live relatively close to each other.  You meet and have a chance to talk with the people that you will elect as precinct chairs and other local leaders. This is your chance to step forward to be one of those leaders. 

To find out where your caucus is being held, CLICK HERE.  The caucuses must start by 7 pm on February 27, but it would be a good idea to be there by at least 6:45 pm to sign in and get seated. 

If you care, be there!

Only elected precinct delegates are invited to attend the second step in the process, your Senate District Annual Convention held in March of 2024.

As an elected precinct delegate, you can attend your SD Convention.  It is at your Senate District convention that you request to be elected a Delegate (or an Alternate) to the 3rd Congressional District Convention on April 27, 2024 and/or a Delegate or Alternate to the State Convention on May 17-18, 2024.

Third, at the CD3 Convention, you will hear from candidates running for the 3rd Congressional District U.S. House seat and our U.S. Senate Seat. As a Delegate, you will:

  • Endorse one of the U.S. House candidates as our Republican backed candidate. Given the radical legislation that the DFL-controlled House passed in 2023, the role of convention delegate in supporting the best conservative candidate is essential.
  • We will also elect a delegate to the Republican National Convention in July, where our Presidential candidate will be endorsed.

Fourth, at the State Convention, you will hear from candidates and elect additional National Delegates. A candidate for U.S. Senate will also be endorsed.

So it gets back to your caucus on February 27!  All the current leaders of the MN Republican Party got their start by participating in their local caucus. If you care about the direction of your government, care enough to participate in your local caucus. Run to be a precinct leader and a delegate to your local Senate District convention.

Commit to Voting in Your Local Elections – They’re Too

Important to Miss

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7. Some of you may not have a ballot this year. You may not have candidates or ballot questions to consider. Yet many of us do. And the choices are very important.

Many of us have the opportunity this year to elect new members of our city councils and school boards. Many of us will be asked to approve or disapprove critical initiatives with long-term impacts for our whole communities. Your vote could decide who governs your city, oversees the education of our kids, if the sales taxes will go up in Bloomington, if Edina schools will get more money, and if Ranked Choice Voting.will continue in Minnetonka.

In our democracy, voting is a choice. But your choice not to vote will impact far more than you. In the 2022 election, some conservative candidates did not get elected because enough Republicans did not vote.

To learn if your city, town, and/or school district is holding elections this year, use the Secretary of State's MyBallot.com to see the names of candidates and questions that will be on the ballot for your precinct, if any. Find links to additional information about the candidates and ballots questions.

To learn where you should go to vote, voting hours, and related information, check out the Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder.

The news and opinions posted below are intended to cover events and issues of potential interest to conservatives in the 3rd Congressional District of Minnesota

Early Machine Voting is Underway Now

Early voting is already underway. We urge you to take advantage of it. Do not risk Election Day distractions or problems that could keep your voice from being heard.

If you have concerns about putting your paper ballot into an envelope and dropping it in the mail, you can go in person, mark your ballot, and put it directly into a ballot counter. The same procedure as on Election Day, without the rush. CLICK HERE to find out where you can go early to vote by machine. Or you can contact your county election official by CLICKING HERE.

Voting early does more than avoid the risk of problems on Election Day. Hennepin County is making lists available of people who have already voted (not how they voted). More and more campaigns are taking advantage of these lists to drop early voters off of their mailers and text messaging campaigns.

Want to stop being bugged? Go Vote!

Interested in Recommendations for Voting in CD3?

In local elections within the 3rd Congressional District, many candidates take the position that they will run non-partisan. They do not openly seek to be endorsed or even formally recommend by a political party.

That has not stopped us from considering the candidates that are running for your consideration. We have been impressed with the work being done by local groups, whose values we share. Groups like the Minnesota Parents Alliance, the Residents for a Better Bloomington, and Yes 2 Repeal RCV in Minnetonka. 

CLICK HERE to find links to the voting recommendations of these groups. We have also provided links when our local political units have recommended a local candidate in their area.

Suit to Strike Down Felon Voting to be Argued October 30

The Minnesota Voters Alliance (MVA) filed suit in Anoka County District Court against the Secretary of State on June 29, 2023, for the purpose of striking down as unconstitutional the recently passed “felon voting” law. The MVA is represented by the Upper Midwest Law Center.

The case will be argued in-person on Monday, October 30, 2023, at 8:30 a.m., at the Anoka County Government Center, 2100 3rd Ave, Anoka, MN 55303. The courtroom number will be posted in the lobby. The Honorable Judge Thomas R. Lehmann will be presiding. The hearing is open to the public.

The Minnesota Voters Alliance will hold a social event following the hearing at the nearby Sparky’s Café (12 Bridge Square). The attorneys and plaintiffs will attend.

CLICK HERE to read further about the law and how it conflicts with the Minnesota Constitution

Want to be a Delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention?  Here is How!

The Republican Presidential Candidate debate in Milwaukee last week was the first step toward selecting our next President.  A select number of Republicans will gather in the same city over three days, July 15-18, for the 2024 Republican National Convention (2024 RNC).  If you want to be a delegate or alternate to that convention and cast a vote for our nominee, here are a few things you might want to know:

Minnesota is allotted 39 Delegates and 36 Alternates.  
Three Delegates are already determined (the State Party Chair, the Republican National Committeewoman, and the Republican National Committeeman).  
Each of Minnesota's eight Congressional Districts elect three Delegates and three Alternates.  
The remaining 12 Delegates and 12 Alternates are elected "at-large" at our Republican State Convention May 16-18.

To learn more about becoming a 2024 RNC Delegate or Alternate, CLICK HERE

Paid Family and Medical Leave Bill  -- Bad Policy Wrong for Minnesota

The Paid Family and Medical Leave Act was approved last week by the Minnesota legislature by votes of 68-62 in the MN House, 34-32 in the MN Senate.  All Republicans voted against it. 

Why?  Because it imposes a government mandate on all employers in Minnesota without regard to the impact it will have ultimately on employment.  It increases the cost of labor, reducing the incentive to hire additional employees.  Employers in struggling enterprises may have to let employees go that are not significant contributors.  

Rep Andrew Myers (R, Tonka Bay) pointed out that this new law is funded by a brand-new tax on employers and employees. "It will cost billions of dollars to get up and running and will require as many as 400 new full-time employees to develop and administrate the program."  

Rep. Danny Nadeau (R, Rogers) wrote to his constituents on May 5 that he supports expanded access to paid family and medical leave, but "had serious concerns about the details of this proposal, including new payroll taxes, ever-growing government bureaucracy, and troublesome mandates."

As an alternative, Republicans proposed the Minnesota Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FaMLI) Plan.  As Rep Nadeau stated on the floorof the house,  the FaMLI Plan was "clear, stable, affordable, and flexible plan that serves families"  rather than promote an activist agenda.  It was defeated.

CLICK HERE to continue reading specifics of the law provided by Rep. Myers

Meet the CD3 Executive Committee Members

Following are short background summaries of a few of the new Executive Committee members. Additional member biographical summaries will be published in subsequent newsletters and will be posted on the CD3 website.  Check back periodically for additional summaries.

Randy Sutter -- Chair

Jake Moroshek – Deputy Chair

To read additional biographical summaries, please CLICK HERE

Time to Roll Up our Sleeves

By Randy Sutter

The margin of the DFL victory in our state last year was very small. Yet, our DFL legislature is brazenly acting like they have a popular mandate.

They are enacting laws that do not reflect our values or those of a majority of Minnesotans. They feel that they can host public drag queen performances in the rotunda of our capitol. They feel no need to return the massive state budget surplus to us. Rather, they intend to spend it like there is no tomorrow.

Well, there will be a tomorrow. We need to ensure that it will be the tomorrow that we and the hard-working people of this state deserve.

We must work to restore a rational, realistic government to our state. We must work to return legislators to St. Paul who will demand

We cannot rely on a "red wave" to make it happen. We cannot rely on simply recruiting good candidates and holding rousing rallies, although these are important. The key to making a difference in the tomorrow of 2024 is the work that we do starting today.

CLICK HERE to continue reading

Looking for Volunteers for the State Fair

The MN GOP has created a Standing Committee to plan and oversee the MNGOP’s State Fair booth.  MN GOP Deputy Chair Donna Bergstrom is a Co-Chair of the committee, and she is asking for a volunteer from the 3rd Congressional District to be on the committee.

The set-up and operation of the booth depends on volunteer support. There will be several opportunities:

To volunteer, please email Michael Bang at northstardancestudio@yahoo.com and copy Randy Sutter at randywacs@aol.com. To secure your preferred slot, please volunteer early.

For more information, please CLICK HERE.

Study finds Claims in favor of Ranked Choice Voting Seriously Lacking

Passage of a Ranked Choice Voting bill in the MN Legislature is no longer a sure thing. At the end of March, the DFL chair of the Senate Election Committee abruptly cancelled a meeting to debate and pass SF1635, which included full implementation of RCV. The Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota had just published a study calling into questions several assertions of RCV supporters.

In fact, many of the claims made were found to be seriously lacking, according to a post in the online political blog, Checks & Balances. In addition, Senate President Bobby Joe Champion (DFL, Minneapolis) is an ardent opponent.

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) advocates believe this method encourages interest among potential voters and reduces the influence of special interest lobbies. However, upon inspection of pro-RCV advocates’ websites such as fairvote.org, one finds that it is the special interests that support this voting scheme.

RCV presents an alarming risk that voters’ actual will is usurped, thus disenfranchising voters. The RCV/IRV system does not ensure ‘one person, one vote’, and does not even ensure that a majority candidate will win. The League of Women Voters notes that RCV may allow a candidate to win even without a majority “if enough voters did not give any votes to their lower choices.”

CLICK HERE to continue reading how RCV does not deliver on its promised benefits

3rd Congressional District Convention Set for April 29

Delegates and alternates elected to represent their BPOUs across the 3rd Congressional District have been sent the official call to attend our annual CD3 Convention. Planned this year for Saturday, April 29, the convention will be held at the Wayzata Central Middle School auditorium, 305 Vicksburg Lane N, Plymouth.

The business of the convention this year will be to:

 •  Hear from legislative representatives and party leaders

 •  Elect Executive Officers (Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and seven (7) Vice Chairs

 •  Consider and vote on amendments to the CD3 Constitution and Bylaws

 •  Conduct other district business

Republicans in the 3rd Congressional District who wish to be considered as candidates for CD3 Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, or Vice Chair should CLICK HERE and indicate for which officer position they would like to be considered. A representative of the Officer Review Committee will reach out and schedule an interview. The deadline for candidate submissions is April 15.

Click to read more

Executive Committee Has Plans for CD3 in 2023

The CD3 Executive Officers and volunteers actively supported Republican candidates in races in 2022. Door-knocking in Plymouth's Senate District 42 and in Bloomington's Senate District 51 (depicted above) were just two examples. We also had some great volunteers who staffed a district campaign office in Maple Grove, turning it into an active call center.

Unfortunately, door-knocking and phone-calling was not enough to elect many of our outstanding Republican candidates. We need to do more. The margins in both the Minnesota House and Senate remain very small, and the CD3 Executive Committee is preparing to implement new strategies to make a difference in 2024.

We have ambitious plans to improve the election outcomes in our district. The CD3 Executive Committee have adopted a strategic plan, and each officer will lead the execution of a key area of that plan, including:

• Party infrastructure building and growth

• Collaboration with community organizations

• Local candidate/campaign training & support

• Outreach

• Event planning and support

• Communications & messaging

• Fundraising

Going forward, the executive officers will be reach out to the CD3 senate district leadership. Together, we hope to recruit and engage volunteers in pursuit of these objectives. We are also making strong connections with conservative action groups to set up training and organizing programs.

We are not waiting and hoping for new candidates to step forward. Join us to lay the groundwork now.

CLICK HERE to continue reading about CD3 Executive Officer roles and opportunities.

Study finds Claims for Ranked Choice Voting Seriously Lacking

Passage of a Ranked Choice Voting bill in the MN Legislature is no longer a sure thing. At the end of March, the DFL chair of the Senate Election Committee abruptly cancelled a meeting to debate and pass SF1635, which included full implementation of RCV. The Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota had just published a study calling into questions a number of assertions of RCV supporters.

In fact, many of the claims made were found to be seriously lacking, according to a post in the online political blog, Checks & Balances. In addition, Senate President Bobby Joe Champion (DFL, Minneapolis) is an ardent opponent.

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) advocates believe this method encourages interest among potential voters and reduces the influence of special interest lobbies. However, upon inspection of pro-RCV advocates’ websites such as fairvote.org, one finds that it is the special interests that support this voting scheme.

RCV presents an alarming risk that voters’ actual will is usurped, thus disenfranchising voters. The RCV/IRV system does not ensure ‘one person, one vote’, and does not even ensure that a majority candidate will win. The League of Women Voters notes that RCV may allow a candidate to win even without a majority “if enough voters did not give any votes to their lower choices.”

CLICK HERE to continue reading how RCV does not deliver on its promised benefits.