DFL leaders spent Thursday in Washington D.C. to make their pitch to the Democratic National Convention on why Minnesota should be moved to one of the early primary spots for the 2024 presidential primary and beyond.
Their pitch? Minnesota is amongst the most engaged states in the nation with top voter turnout, it’s become a battleground state in recent years which would require any candidate to have a well-rounded pitch to win the state, and they say the state is becoming increasingly diverse.
DFL Chairman Ken Martin says what makes Minnesota special is the participation.
“Diversity for diversity’s sake doesn’t matter,” Martin said. “There are states that are more diverse on paper. What matters is making sure those communities are showing up and participating at the ballot box, showing up and participating running for office, showing up and participating by volunteering, showing up and participating in our party. All of that’s true in Minnesota.”
Diversity has been a sticking point for the DNC and it has been an area Minnesota Democrats have tried to differentiate the state from Iowa, which has long been one of the first stops in the primary.
“Candidates that bring a strong coalition and bring together all of these different groups in Minnesota will be incredibly well-positioned to win not only in Minnesota, but across America,” added Minnesota Second District Congresswoman Angie Craig.
The presentation on Thursday, which included Craig, Attorney General Keith Ellision, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and Secretary of State Steve Simon, pushed back on the committee’s worry that travel issues related to Minnesota weather could be an issue for an early primary race in the winter, as well as concerns that they couldn't get the Minnesota Republicans to back the move, which is required by state law.
“I’m convinced we’ll be able to get them there,” Martin says. “This is not just good for the Democratic Party of Minnesota, it’s good for the Republican Party, and frankly it’s good for all Minnesota voters regardless of their political persuasion.
Former Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty has voiced his support as has longtime Congressman Vin Weber. That support is big says WCCO Political Analyst Blois Olson.
“Republicans seem to be on board with the idea that then, they would make us an early primary state for Republicans as well,” Olson said on the WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar. “So you can just imagine the hustle and bustle, and the buzz of a presidential Election in Minnesota.”
Minnesota is expected to be one of the frontrunners in the Midwest along with Michigan, but Olson notes that both DFL Chair Ken Martin and AG Keith Ellison are very influential with the committee and that helps the state's chances.
A decision is now planned for early August.
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