Minnesota’s Daily Columnist
HowieHanson.com Section
In the end, Minnesota's governor's race will test whether longstanding geographic voting patterns hold under the pressure of a controversy that has placed the competence and accountability of state government squarely before the electorate.
Mayor Roger Reinert has delivered measurable results on housing, infrastructure and property taxes. But the city's financial problems, housing shortage and uncertain downtown recovery raise a more difficult question: Is Duluth becoming stronger, or simply managing its problems more effectively?
Stauber's assertion might sound persuasive during a televised debate. It becomes considerably less persuasive when subjected to independent examination.
"All signs, including the huge turnout in Tuesday's DFL primary, point to a strong year for Democrats in Minnesota. If that proves to be the case, then Senator Klobuchar should have a smooth path to the governor's office." -- Former Duluth city councilor Joel Sipress
Survival, for many old industrial American cities during the late twentieth century, became the central challenge itself. Doty helped Duluth survive long enough to rediscover confidence in itself again. That is not a minor civic legacy.
The emotional political truth in Minnesota: The DFL fears permanently losing working-class and regional voters. Republicans fear nominating candidates who thrill activists but collapse in the suburbs. Both fears are real.
If re-elected, Ramsay says his priorities won’t drift. He lists them plainly: reduce the impact of illegal drugs, maintain a healthy and effective workforce and deliver professional, responsive service across the county.