Good morning. Much of the state’s attention will be rightfully focused on a memorial service today.
MPR News will carry live the memorial service for three Burnsville first responders. Tune in on the radio or watch our video feed online . Thousands are expected at the service and along the procession route. City offices are closed and so are schools.
Joe Biden and Donald Trump romped their competition in another primary in Michigan. But the focus will be on cracks in their respective support networks. The “uncommitted” option gained tens of thousands of votes on the Democratic side as party members, led by Muslim Americans, expressed discontent over Biden’s handling of the war between Israel and Hamas that has exacted a toll on Gaza. Meanwhile, Trump won the GOP primary but a large number of voters backed Nikki Haley, showing that Trump has yet to get his party unified behind him. Both likely nominees have work to do to shore up their bases ahead of the general election.
It was another poor showing for Dean Phillips, the Minnesota congressman running for the Democratic nomination. He finished again in the low single digits, far behind Biden and “uncommitted,” and he ran about even with Marianne Williamson, who left the race weeks ago. He’s had trouble raising money and had to lay off staff as a result. This result won’t help.
Minnesota gets its turn next Tuesday. Yes, that super one. Brian has some nuts and bolts about the state’s presidential primary and how it factors into the delegate selection process. By the way, the Democratic ballot has an “uncommitted” option like Michigan did. We’ll see if the percentage opting for that is anywhere near what happened there.
Last night's Minnesota precinct caucuses gave people a chance to sound off on issues and candidate options. The gatherings held around the state aren’t as big of a draw as they once were, in part because the presidential primary is an easier option for participating. But MPR’s Mark Zdechlik says there are still those who see it as their duty to show up. “You can't complain about how things are going down the line if you didn't do anything to begin with,” said Bloomington resident Cheryl Oliva at one of the area’s Republican caucuses.
Democrat Ron Harris has ended his congressional campaign in the open 3rd District and endorsed state Sen. Kelly Morrison. The former city of Minneapolis chief resilience officer launched his campaign before Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips announced he would pursue his presidential bid over another run in the district covering the west metro suburbs. In a statement, he said, “I am confident that Senator Morrison will be a tireless advocate for our charred values, a champion for our district and a fierce campaigner just as she has been in the State House and State Senate.” Morrison said she is honored to have Harris’ endorsement. Five Republicans are also vying for the seat. If Morrison wins in November, it would mean a special election later this year or early next for her seat in the state Senate. DFLers currently hold a one seat majority.
Speaking of next year’s session, it would have been easy amid the crush of action to overlook a law change that affects when the Legislature reconvenes. The session won’t start until Jan. 14 . That’s a week later than when the calendar would normally have the odd-year session gavel in under prior law. It was part of a shift that also redefined a “legislative day.” Now it will only count against lawmakers’ limit for floor sessions if they hold one to give bills a third reading (readying it for a final vote), adopt a rule of procedure or organization, elect a University of Minnesota regent, confirm a governor’s appointee or override a veto.
The next top regulator for Minnesota’s nascent legal marijuana industry will come from a pool of 138 applicants. That’s how many people put themselves into consideration to run the Office of Cannabis Management by Monday’s deadline. It’s slightly fewer than the 150 applications received last summer when Governor Tim Walz selected the first office leader. That director resigned after one day when her business record came under scrutiny. Walz hopes to pick a cannabis office leader by summer. Last August, recreational marijuana use became legal for adults 21 and older. Broad retail sales aren’t expected before 2025.
A Minnesotan photographing towns split down the middle politically found less polarization than you may think. For his project Purpletowns, Paul Shambroom mapped hundreds of communities that were tied during the last presidential election with votes split evenly between Republicans and Democrats. Shambroom spent the last four years photographing local government meetings across 22 states and more than 60 “purple communities.” Our reporter Catharine Richert joined Shambroom on a visit to Dundas, a so-called “purpletown,” about 30 miles south of the Twin Cities. Check out the full story here. | 