The Rundown on the Monday, 2/12 Special Elections in MN

Representative Tony Cornish (GOP) of district 23b, and State Senator Dan Schoen (DFL) of district 54 have both resigned among allegations of sexual harassment. The special election date has been set by Governor Dayton to replace the legislators on Monday February 12.

Here's the scoop on the candidates seeking to replace them. Note, we are not affiliated with any campaign:

1) Karla Bigham, Candidate for State Senate District 54

If Karla wins and if there is a special election to replace Sen Fishbach (who must step down to become Lt. Governor per MN Constitution & order of succession) and a Dem wins that special election (probably held in Summer/Fall) WE RE-TAKE THE SENATE AHEAD OF 2020. This is HUGE. GOP is fighting Karla with tons of dark-money attack ads, they know that this election and another looming special election could mean the end of their majority in Senate, and a Dem majority instead. LET'S GIVE IT ALL WE'VE GOT! We are stuck with a GOP Senate until 2020 if we don't win Monday.

Karla is also a lifelong resident of her district. She served as Washington County Commissioner, a State Representative, and Cottage Grove City Council member. From her announcement:

"The public’s trust in government and specifically in the Minnesota legislature is at an all-time low. Whether it is the stalemate between the Governor and the legislature or the incidents that led to this special election, our government has squandered the public’s trust. I want to work to restore that trust and bring back common sense."

"Despite having large surpluses, the legislature has decided to pass the buck when it comes to funding our schools and important services like mental health treatment..The legislature is forcing property taxpayers to pay additional costs for schools while it gives tax breaks to people who smoke cigarettes and own multi-million dollar homes. That is not commonsense."

Website

Facebook page

District map

Opponent info

Doorknocking & Phone Banking Events: See the campaign Facebook page (click Events) for the most up to date list of events. They have things going on almost every day, including election day!

To make phone calls from home: To sign up and get a very brief training, please call Karen at 612-270-6559 or PM karen.wills.50 on Facebook or email to cd3outreach@gmail.com

New – become a social media warrior! Sign up here and you'll get one email action item a day with some things you can do on social media to help!.

2) Melissa Wagner, Candidate for State Representative District 23b

Replacing a GOP representative is a tough proposition in this district, but this would be the right candidate to do it. The House is up in 2018, and I believe Melissa will run again in November if she doesn't win in this special election, but I think she's gonna take it this time! She's had an amazing campaign, and less bitter attack ads from the GOP to contend with.

Melissa is a lifelong Blue Earth county resident who has worked in education for twenty years. She's someone who wants to get past partisan politics and work across party lines to get things done for rural Minnesota.

Website

Facebook page

District map

Opponent info

Door-knocking and phone calling from HQ:

Remaining door knocks, you can also check the campaign's Facebook page:

To make phone calls from home: To sign up and get a very brief training, please call Karen at 612-270-6559 or PM karen.wills.50 on Facebook or email to cd3outreach@gmail.com

New – become a social media warrior! Sign up here and you'll get one email action item a day with some things you can do on social media to help!.

3) What it all means: The Numbers

Here's the House and Senate breakdown, and how these elections could impact things.

HOUSE: Currently 77 GOP/57 Dem Representatives. The house is QUITE red.

If Melissa wins: 76 GOP/58 Dem

If Melissa loses: 77/57 as it is now (GOP rep Tony Cornish holds the seat)

SENATE: Currently 34 GOP/33 Dem Senators.

If Karla wins: Stays the same

If Karla loses: GOP gains a super-majority: 35 GOP/32 Dem Senators

If Karla wins, we are in a position to take back the Senate in an upcoming special election which will be Summer or Fall and will be held to replace Senator Fishbach, who is attempting to hold two seats (which is unconstitutional).

The Dems have not had control of both houses since 2013-2014 in Minnesota. They passed marriage equality, all day kindergarten, tuition freeze, and minimum wage increase. Elections matter.