President Trump is coming to Minnesota for the first time since the election with a rally planned one week from Wednesday (6/20) in Duluth. Carleton College political science Professor Steven Schier says Trump’s objective is to “frustrate Democrats who are already fighting among themselves.” He adds, “I do believe what this indicates is that Trump will be back to Minnesota throughout the election season because he sees Minnesota as a big electoral opportunity for the Republicans.”
Schier says Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District is one of the few in the country that “looks like a real possibility” for a Republican pick-up in November. Some say Trump should also train his efforts on the 1st Congressional District in southern Minnesota.
Hamline University political analyst David Schultz predicts Trump’s visit will put high-profile issues in the spotlight. He says mining, guns and abortion are “three big issues that divide Republicans and Democrats not just in the 8th District but statewide also.” Schultz says Trump’s visit is to get Republicans excited about the November election and ultimately could affect the race for Al Franken’s former U-S Senate seat, and even contests in the Minnesota House.
More info in this interview with Prof. Schier:
And Prof. Schultz: