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Politics

Howie: While others talked revival, Gary Doty did the work

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.

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Howie: Minnesota’s political civil war weekend

Howie: Minnesota’s political civil war weekend

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.

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Howie: Ramsey running for re-election; Our five-year plan

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.

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Howie: The moment Amy Klobuchar has prepared for
Amy Klobuchar. AmyKlobuchar.com screenshot

Howie: The moment Amy Klobuchar has prepared for

The campaign will now test whether voters see her as the experienced hand who can “fix what’s wrong” — or as part of the same governing class they are increasingly skeptical of. It is a seasoned politician reading the room and deciding the room needs her.

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Howie: Is this Amy Klobuchar’s moment?
Amy Klobuchar. AmyKlobuchar.com screenshot

Howie: Is this Amy Klobuchar’s moment?

This may be the moment Klobuchar has been preparing for since she first entered public life — not to campaign, not to negotiate from the sidelines, but to run the place she has spent a lifetime studying.

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Howie: If Hubert Humphrey were Minnesota’s governor today

At the 1948 Democratic National Convention, when many in his party wanted to avoid alienating Southern segregationists, Humphrey, 37, strode to the podium and declared it was time to get out of the shadow of states’ rights and walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights.

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Howie: Minnesota math still doesn’t add up for Republicans
Howie / HowieHanson.com

Howie: Minnesota math still doesn’t add up for Republicans

A governor nobody loves but nobody can topple, against a Republican bench that looks like the Twins’ middle relief corps. Jensen is the blown save, Qualls is the preseason hype, Robbins is the protected rookie, and Stauber is the guy smart enough to stay in the dugout.

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Wittenberg announces candidacy for ISD 709 Duluth School Board – District 1
Wittenberg. Submitted

Wittenberg announces candidacy for ISD 709 Duluth School Board – District 1

Frances Wittenberg has officially announced her candidacy for the ISD 709 Duluth School Board, representing District 1, which includes Duluth City Precincts 1–5 and 7, the City of Rice Lake, and the Townships of Gnesen, Lakewood, Normanna, and North Star. After launching a write-in campaign in 2023, Wittenberg is

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Derek Medved announces candidacy for Duluth City Council At-Large
Medved. YouTube screenshot.

Derek Medved announces candidacy for Duluth City Council At-Large

“Serving on the council was one of the greatest honors of my life. Even though time has passed, my passion for public service and my love for this city remain as strong as ever. I want to be someone who gets things done and does it the right way.” -- Medved

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GOP state Sen. Justin Eichorn arrested on suspicion of soliciting sex with a 16-year-old girl
State Sen. Justin Eichorn was arrested Monday in Bloomington. He’s a Grand Rapids Republican. Official Senate photo.

GOP state Sen. Justin Eichorn arrested on suspicion of soliciting sex with a 16-year-old girl

By Michelle Griffith, Minnesota Reformer State Sen. Justin Eichorn, R-Grand Rapids, was arrested in Bloomington on suspicion of soliciting a minor for sex.  Bloomington Police led Eichorn, 40, to believe he was talking to a 16-year-old girl and then met the senator and arrested him Monday near the 8300 block

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Duluth City Councilor to run for reelection
Tara Swenson. Submitted

Duluth City Councilor to run for reelection

“By supporting our first responders, prioritizing economic development, and creating a welcoming environment for both residents and businesses, we can ensure Duluth thrives as a vibrant, inclusive, and safe community.” -- Tara Swenson

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Harris names Walz her vice presidential nominee
Gov. Tim Walz met with childcare providers at CLUES in St. Paul on Thursday, Dec. 1. Photo by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer.

Harris names Walz her vice presidential nominee

By J. Patrick Coolican, Minnesota Reformer Gov. Tim Walz fused his everyman personality with an optimistic progressive message to win the most important audition of his political career the past few weeks, winning the quick admiration of Democratic activists — and Vice President Kamala Harris, who named Walz as her running

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