Report from the grassroots: SD62 Convention
I was a delegate to the MN Senate District 62 convention this past weekend. SD62 is ground zero - it's where the murders of Renee Good, Alex Pretti and George Floyd happened - so there was a lot of energy, lots of new people wanting to get involved, a very diverse group. Enthusiastic speeches by Keith Ellison, Peggy Flanagan, Kaohly Her, Aisha Gomez and others. Flanagan is clearly the strong favorite for Senate; Angie Craig doesn't seem to have much support in this district. Klobuchar is being challenged for Governor by some guy named Paul Ference who has something to do with cookies and seems enthusiastic but I haven't been able to find out anything about him; he has a Bluesky account but no web page. He showed up in a sloppy t-shirt and didn't seem very professional. He'll need to do more convincing, I think. However, the convention didn't endorse Klobuchar but remained uncommitted - I think there will be pressure on her to take more progressive stances on some issues. She is certain to get the DFL endorsement at the state convention anyhow; SD62 is probably more ardently left-wing than most other state districts.
There are always a few loud, rude characters at these conventions, and a couple of people had to be called out of order for interrupting speakers or trying to inject their pet rants into procedural matters, but in general it was a great show of grassroots involvement. This is where real politics happens. I can't imagine being an actual politician running for office; I'm a devout introvert and I'd rather do almost anything than make speeches and campaign for myself, but participating at this level is the best opportunity most of us have to get things done. This group was really on fire and it was exciting to watch and be a part of.