Capitol View for May 31

Good morning. We're in for an election like none other.

A New York jury convicted former president Donald Trump on all 34 charges in his hush money trial. He is the first former U.S. president convicted of a felony crime. The jury found him guilty of falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to porn actor Stormy Daniels. The verdict is a legal reckoning for Trump and exposes him to potential prison time. The judge has set Trump’s sentencing for July 11, just four days before the GOP is set to select him as a 2024 presidential nominee at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Trump is due to hold a news conference this morning where he will no doubt work to hammer home his narrative that he's being treated unfairly, which is certain to harden the opinions on both ends of the spectrum.

Unsurprisingly in these times, the Minnesota congressional delegation is split along party lines on the Trump conviction. Republicans echoed the former president’s frustrations that the trial was a "disgrace" while Democrats said it was a sign that the justice system worked. Rep. Tom Emmer is already pivoting to November’s election. He posted on X writing, “Americans will release their own verdict this November on Joe Biden’s sham administration. We must unite behind Donald Trump to Save America and stop this political witch hunt once and for all.” Other GOP officials, including party chair David Hann, expressed similar sentiments. Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum, who represents Minnesota’s 4th Congressional District, said on X that the former president got his day in court and the justice system worked.

It’s unlikely the guilty verdict will affect Trump’s eligibility on the ballot in November in Minnesota. But a spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office said eligibility requirements for the president of the United States are determined by the U.S. Constitution. For the general election, the chair of each major political party must certify the names of the party candidates for president and vice-president to the Office of the Secretary of State on or before Aug. 26. The constitution is silent on felonies as a disqualifier, meaning Trump would likely face no ballot access ramifications solely based on the conviction.

Flags at state buildings have been lowered this morning in tribute to Jamal Mitchell. He is the Minneapolis police officer killed in the line of duty yesterday when responding to another shooting. Other first responders were also injured in the incident that left multiple people dead. State and city leaders offered condolences to Mitchell’s family and colleagues, words of support for law enforcement and frustration over the scourge of gun violence.

It’s our last Politics Friday show for now. Coming up at noon, we’ll have a special edition of Politics Friday with a preview of the DFL convention. Brian will talk with DFL Chairman Ken Martin and state Sen. Kelly Morrison, the endorsed candidate for Congress in Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District. We’ll also hear from a few DFL delegates, including one from the “uncommitted” campaign. Listen on the radio or on our website. We’ll have podcast drop-ins this summer and will return to air in late August.

DFL leaders are pushing for the resignation of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, who says she is staying. DFL Party Chair Ken Martin said Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, has become a distraction since her arrest in April on a burglary charge. She participated in the final month of session and voted in the 34-33 Senate without similar calls from within her party. Asked Thursday about Walz’s stance given the DFL chair’s statement, a Walz spokesperson said the governor agreed with Martin and that Walz believes Mitchell needs to “focus on personal matters.” Mitchell, who was charged with burglary last month, said in a statement issued through her attorney she does not intend to resign. DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy reiterated her stance that Mitchell deserves a chance to defend herself in court and in ethics proceedings. Later, she told some reporters, including Gray TV Twin Cities bureau reporter Quinn Gorham, she had spoken with Mitchell about resigning. “If I were in her shoes, given what we’re facing, and the need for our ability to continue to govern for the people of Minnesota, I would step aside and I hope as I continue to talk with her that she reaches that conclusion.”

“Uncommitted” voters are grappling with how far they can push Democrats, or if it’s even worth trying. Clay Masters reports the almost 19 percent showing by “uncommitted” Democratic voters in Minnesota’s March presidential primary has left the movement at a bit of a crossroads. Those voters and activists upset with President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war are trying to decide if they can force more policy change from the inside or if they are better off railing against the incumbent at all costs. All those factors will be in play at the DFL state convention in Duluth this weekend. Many who were partial to the uncommitted push will be in the room and many others could be making their frustration heard outside the convention hall.

A primary battle is looming for GOP Senate candidates Joe Fraser and Royce White. Mark Zdechlik reports Republican Joe Fraser reversed himself on Thursday and said he would run in a U.S. Senate primary, pointing to concerns over the background of GOP-endorsed candidate Royce White, a former NBA player and podcaster. There have been numerous reports on questionable campaign spending during a prior White campaign that could lead to more legal troubles down the road. In a statement, Fraser cited the problems in White’s past as justification to press ahead to an August primary. He had earlier pledged to honor the state convention endorsement. The winner will face DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who has chosen not to respond to White’s endorsement.