We're told the Republican endorsing convention for Senate District 9 takes place tomorrow.
Long-time area state senator Bill Ingebrigtsen is retiring; redistricting put aspiring state representative Jordan Rasmusson (announced in January) and long-time incumbent senator Torrey Westrom in the same district.
But Westrom is moving and running in Senate District 12, according to a recent Strib Morning Politics newsletter.
UPDATE: As our conservative source in the region predicted, Rasmusson was endorsed on the first ballot:
Congratulations to @jordanrasmusson for a first round endorsement in Senate District 9. #mnleg pic.twitter.com/QF5od8iXiC
— Chris Mulcahey (@ChrisMulcahey) April 23, 2022
[End update]
That doesn't leave a clear path for Rasmusson, however. Battle Lake conservative Nathan Miller registered his campaign committee on March 21, with the Fergus Falls Journal reporting on April 12 that he was Throwing a hat in the ring.
A new conservative candidate literally threw his hat in the ring over the weekend for the hotly contested Senate District 9 seat. The newly formed Senate District 9 includes all of the counties of Otter Tail, Grant, Traverse, Wilkin and a portion of Douglas County.
Nathan Miller, who lives on a small 40–acre farm south of Battle Lake, made an appearance at a gathering billed as “Caravan of Patriots,” on Apr. 10, in Ottertail at Thumper Pond Resort. At the gathering, he announced that he was running for office and described himself as a patriot, not a politician.
“The size and the scope of government is just getting so large. When you’ve got a $12 billion surplus, which includes the rainy day fund, it gives the government massive leeway to keep growing. It makes a person feel good that they’re going to give back 80% or 50%, but in reality what’s going to happen is the growth of government as we’ve seen time and time again results in the constriction of our freedoms and liberty.”
Miller said he would also like to target various taxes — income, social security and estate taxes. He believes property taxes need to be eliminated. . . .
If the "Caravan of Patriots" rings a bell, think back to last May 15, when the Perham Focus reported in Protesters caravan to voice discontent with Gov. Tim Walz:
The "Caravan of Patriots — Spirit of 1776" caravan rolled into the quiet streets of Ottertail at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 15, right on schedule. But their quarry was gone.
The man they call a "dictator" and a "tyrant," Gov. Tim Walz, had left Otter Tail County a little after 8 a.m. after kicking off the Governor's Fishing Opener, saying he had to tend to legislative negotiations. . . .
They picked up steam along the way, and about 65 vehicles passed Thumper Pond Resort where Walz had spent the night, then continued, lights on and horns blaring, into the old part of Ottertail. . . .
Two people wearing "Rocks and Cows" sweatshirts waited on the sidewalks for them and waved and cheered as they rolled into town. The phrase is part of a quote from Walz that Republicans claim is an indication that he doesn't care about rural Minnesota.
The caravan stopped at the park, and people got out, met by supporters who weren't able to take part in the caravan. The crowd had swelled to about 200. There were hugs, excited introductions, references to "the rabbit hole" and QAnon.
“We love our country, and we don’t like the direction it’s heading to. We like capitalism. We like freedom. We don’t like government mandates, government telling us what to do, government taking out money," Merle Hexum, one of the organizers of the caravan said before it started rolling. "We’re just frustrated with it all.”
Hexum said they planned the event for later in the day to catch people coming off the lakes and into the towns. But it was too late to catch the attention of the governor. In the crowd, some grumbled that Walz had left Ottertail so early. . . .
Caravan of Patriots? Merle Hexum? They're part of the Miller insurrection. In Wednesday's paper, Hexum wrote in a letter to the editor of the Fergus Falls Journal, Democrat or Republican?:
Sometimes it can be difficult distinguishing whether politicians are Democrats or Republicans, such is the case with Jordan Rasmusson. Mr. Rasmusson was a liberal Democrat prior to a conversion that he claims to have had while a student in Cuba. But, is he truly conservative, or merely an opportunist? Mr. Rasmusson has political aspirations and he probably came to the realization that he’d better switch party affiliation if he hopes to win in Otter Tail County (OTC). Listening to him speak may lead you to believe his conversion was genuine. He touts all the Republican catchphrases very well: I’m pro-life! I support the Second Amendment! I’m for lower taxes! etc. etc. But, if you examine the legislation that he‘s supported and look at the things that he’s promoting, you’d have to conclude that Mr. Rasmusson is still very much a liberal. Jesus said, “you will know them by their fruit”. He may have an “R” behind his name, but he’s certainly no conservative. Mr. Rasmusson would be the poster child for what conservatives refer to as a R.I.N.O. (Republican In Name Only).
Look at the things that he’s voted for and also the things that he’s trying to advance. He, along with other members of the swamp, voted for HF 164 (Energy Conservation & Optimization Act), a bill that appeases the Al Gore and whacko environmentalist crowd, while creating burdensome regulations for businesses. He also voted for HF 1952 (Omnibus State Government Finance Bill), which establishes a legislative coordinating commission for the politicians and government employees to dictate bills and resolutions instead of their constituents and citizens. New staff and funding is provided to the auditor’s office and funds, loans and investments to businesses that have become corrupted by overreaching union leaders. He, along with Democrats and fellow “RINO”s”, recently voted for SF 3472 (re-insurance bill, which bails out Obamacare). This bill puts tax-payers on the hook for insurance claims over $50,000. Now he’s pushing for “Paid Family Leave”, which adds burdensome regulations for employers and increased costs to consumers.
Conservatives believe in lower taxes, fewer regulations and less government; yet Mr. Rasmusson embraces none of these things. The No. 1 concern for conservatives is election integrity and transparency, yet Mr. Rasmusson has no regard for these things. Last month at the OTC convention there were discrepancies and irregularities concerning delegates being added to the list after caucus night. Mr. Rasmusson and his minions, chose to ignore this potential fraud. First they voted to accept the credentials, without any regard as to how these errors occurred, then they attempted to end debate as to avoid any further discussion on the matter. Since the convention he’s done everything in his power to prevent an independent audit from happening. Mr. Rasmusson has no interest in looking at the irregularities. He obviously doesn’t believe the old adage “sunlight is the best disinfectant”.
If Mr. Rasmusson were to be accused of being a conservative, there would be insufficient evidence to convict him!
He seems nice. An earlier letter writer, a member of the OTC Conservative Coalition, write of the details of the meeting in What is going on?
Former state representative Bud Nornes is having none of it. In Backing Rasmusson, he wrote:
I wasn’t planning to weigh in on area legislative races prior to the local convention on Apr. 23 but was so appalled by the blatantly false information and distortions in Merle Hexum’s recent letter to the editor that I am obliged to respond.
Let’s stop the silly season with these unwarranted, deceptive and seemingly uninformed attacks on Rep. Jordan Rasmusson, whose conservative record in the House of Representatives speaks for itself. In fact, he has one of the most conservative voting records at the State Capitol as one of only six legislators (out of 201!) to vote against all omnibus spending bills last year.
Jordan also co-authored the Minnesota Elections Integrity Act that requires voter ID and bans ballot harvesting. He supports medical freedom, is 100% pro-life and strongly supports the Second Amendment. And he has been unwavering in his efforts to protect taxpayers from tax increases and to hold Gov. Walz accountable and rein in his unchecked emergency powers. He also is a steadfast champion for law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe.
I support and endorse Jordan Rasmusson for State Senate because of his background, his values and his legislative record. He is a strong and consistent conservative who shares our rural values and is an effective legislator at the State Capitol. I am proud to join Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, Rep. Jeff Backer and Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, among others, in supporting Jordan Rasmusson.
I encourage you to examine the facts for yourself and to support an exceptional conservative for our State Senate – Jordan Rasmusson – so that he may continue to serve residents of our area so well.
Sincerely,
Former State Rep. Bud Nornes
We certainly understand why Westrom might seek peace and quiet in an open district. so eloquently described in Briana Bierschbach's article in the Star Tribune back in March, 'Can't lose any more ground': Democrats try to slow red wave in rural Minnesota?
Our conservative sources in the area believe Rasmusson will be endorsed on the first ballot, but bigger surprises have happened.
Related posts:
- MN08: Bill Ingebrigtsen to retire; Representative Mary Franson won't seek senate office
- Minnesota House rep Jordan Rasmusson to run for senate following Ingebrigtsen retirement
- Nornes retiring from MN House; young private equity guy may save Fergus Falls from socialism
Image: One of several meetings for Miller posted by the Rocks and Cows Facebook page. By "lame duck policie" we're hoping the organizers don't mean real lame ducks. Should any of our readers find a lame duck, call the DNR, as avian influenza is an terrible thing.
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