Hi, Friends:
I had to take some time off to recharge, as I’m sure all of you did as well.
We did indeed got the election we have been working toward for two full years.
America joined Hungary, Brasil, Serbia, and Israel in rejecting authoritarianism generally and Donald Trump and MAGA’s corruption, cruelty and incompetence specifically.
Here in Minnesota, Democrats have been given complete control of our state government, from the executive branch to the legislature.
Our Candidates
In Carver County, though our efforts fell a little short, they moved the needle. Lucy Rehm was reelected in House District 48B.
Chrissy Ahola came this close to defeating District 2 County Commissioner (and Chair) Tom Workman by only 109 votes. You’ll remember Workman for calling us “hooligans” for opposing the pursuit of a contract to lease our jail cells to ICE.
Joe Brothers ran a very strong race in the tougher 48A district against Jim Nash. Joe lost by only 2,733 votes (with 44.70% of the vote) compared to our previous candidate to face Nash, who lost by 5,818 votes (39.51%).
Dan Kessler lost to Julia Coleman by a mere 981 votes (with 48.97% of the vote) compared to Coleman’s last election, which she won by 3,742 votes. MAGA spent $160,000 in independent expenditure ads attacking Dan while the DFL spent only $10,000 in independent expenditures on Dan’s behalf.
The DFL abandoned us here in District 48 and Dan was left to run his race with one hand tied behind his back. And yet he still significantly narrowed the margin against Coleman; if she runs again, we’re in a far better position to defeat her.
And, of course, Doug Chapin’s valiant effort to unseat Tom Emmer fell short but at least Emmer will no longer be Majority Whip.
We had really good candidates who ran really strong campaigns in a tough district. The reason they were good is that they were good people who take public service seriously and don’t view it as a path to personal profit.
Please thank our candidates for their dedication, their efforts, and their sacrifice.
Your Patriotism Paid Off
Minnesota was the earthquake that set off this tsunami.
During Operation Metro Surge, our state demonstrated to the nation and the world that you can say no to this authoritarian movement, you can fight back against the cruelty and injustice, and that this gift of democracy is worth the fight. Our response to Trump’s invasion of his federal thugs provided a model and an inspiration.
While the focus understandably has predominantly been on Minneapolis, you played your part. From defending workers in Chanhassen from ICE, to defeating an attempt by the Sheriff to contract with ICE, to the daily shifts of monitoring ICE here in Carver County, the fundraising and food deliveries and standing watch at houses of worship and bus stops, you stood up to bullies, protected your neighbors, and faced down fascism.
You knocked doors, made phone calls, contributed to our candidates, registered voters and got them to the polls. Your dedication to standing on the line holding up your signs saying this is wrong and demanding better provided hope and inspiration during those dark, dark days.
And now this!
We still have a lot of work to do but for now, give yourself a pat on the back.
You earned the most prestigious title in the land: Citizen. Thank you!
David
Chaska Protests
Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]
Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]
Chanhassen Protests
Every Saturday: 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 10-11am at Pedestrian Bridge over Highway 5.
Park at Discovery United Methodist Church. We have permission to park there.
2nd, 4th and 5th Saturday from 10-11am at W 78th and Kerber Boulevard.
Sign library is available.
Norwood Young America
Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of Highway 212 and Faxon.)
Victoria
Every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 pm on the corner of Highway 5 and Victoria Drive/County Rd 11.
Waconia
Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]
SW Protectors
Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.
Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Golden Kitchen and is located at 207 N Chestnut Street #110 in Chaska. [Map]
I’m keeping my signs for Ahola, Kessler and Chapin in the hopes they will try to unseat Workman, Coleman and Emmer the next time!