General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forumsquestion, since al fell on his sword, who would replace him?
I confess I am not as up on Minnesota politics, other than knowing the gov is a democrat. Minnesotans, can you help us out?
old guy
(3,283 posts)EarthFirst
(2,900 posts)Some presume it will be Lt. Governor Tina Smith...
phylny
(8,380 posts)Why appoint someone who won't run in 2018?
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,735 posts)in a primary election.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,735 posts)until the special election that will occur in 2018 (Franken wouldn't have had to run until 2020). That person does not intend to run again; she's just filling the position. In the meantime someone, more likely several someones, are likely to run in a primary for the 2018 election; under the circumstances that person is likely to be a woman. I'm guessing it might be Betty McCollum, the congresswoman who represents the district that includes St. Paul, or Lori Swanson, the state Attorney General, who has been a very strong and successful advocate for consumers. Keith Ellison, who represents CD5 (Minneapolis), has also been mentioned, but I don't know how well he'd do with the more conservative voters Up North.
Whoever runs in the special election in 2018 will have the advantage of Amy Klobuchar's coattails, as she will be running for her own seat at the same time. I consider Klobuchar to be a bit too wishy-washy, but she is quite popular throughout the state and is very likely to win re-election - so her presence in the same election is likely to be quite helpful. The GOP opponent might be that snake and Karl Rove buddy Norm Coleman, and he fights dirty, so it will be really important to put up a solid candidate.
EarthFirst
(2,900 posts)phylny
(8,380 posts)Makes total sense
msongs
(67,420 posts)experience and seniority.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,735 posts)in a primary. Its bad enough that our 2020 vote for Franken was taken away from us.