January 1, Klobuchar Eyes Governor Seat After Walz Scandal

Wyatt’s Take

• Amy Klobuchar jumps into the Minnesota governor race after chaos in the state government.
• She centers her campaign on anti-ICE protests and stopping government fraud.
• Republicans are calling out her record and warning voters about more Democrat failures.

Senator Amy Klobuchar is running for Minnesota governor, entering the race just weeks after Governor Walz exited amid a major fraud controversy. Klobuchar had only recently secured another term in the U.S. Senate, but she announced her new campaign in a video talking about recent troubles in the state.

She spoke of violent events in Minnesota, including the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and condemned the increased federal immigration presence — 3,000 ICE agents sent under Trump following huge fraud uncovered in the Somali business community. Those actions stirred up large anti-ICE protests and led to deadly showdowns between residents and federal agents.

Renee Good was killed by ICE agents when she failed to comply with orders during a heated encounter, while Alex Pretti lost his life in a struggle with Border Patrol. The Department of Homeland Security said Pretti “violently resisted” and was armed, but those incidents just put a bigger spotlight on the divide over federal enforcement in the state.

Klobuchar made it clear she’ll push back hard against what she calls “abusive tactics” by ICE. She promised to restore government trust and fight fraud, saying: “I don’t like fraud or waste in government. That’s why I went after crime as county attorney. I will make sure the people who steal taxpayer money go to jail and root out the fraud by changing the way state government works.” Klobuchar’s pitch relies on being tough on crime and undoing the chaos left behind by previous leaders.

The Republican Governors Association blasted her run, calling her “a failed presidential candidate” and blaming her for inflation, soft-on-crime policies, and tax hikes, warning that Minnesota “can’t afford any more incompetent governance.” Klobuchar previously tried for the White House but dropped out after poor showing and then backed Joe Biden.

Minnesota hasn’t had a Republican governor since 2006, so this contest is shaping up to be a real test for both parties.

For more details, read the full story at the source below.

Wyatt Matters

Everyday Minnesotans want leaders who put their needs first, protect their communities, and stand up to waste and mismanagement. Decisions made now will shape the future for working families across the state.

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