GOP National Convention underway in Dallas without key MN candidates

Thousands of Republicans from around the country are converging on Dallas, Texas, for the first-ever National Republican Midterm Convention. Among them are a delegation of mostly rank-and-file Minnesota Republicans representing their party.

“Republican strategists are worried about Republican enthusiasm in the midterm elections and they’re hoping this convention this week will stimulate that enthusiasm and make their races more competitive,” says Carleton College political analyst Steven Schier.

Two key Minnesota statewide candidates are not making the trip to Texas, including U.S. Senate candidate Michele Tafoya and gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth, both citing campaign obligations in their home state.

Schier says they also might not want to tie themselves to closely to President Trump, whose approval rating in Minnesota is 38%, according to our latest KSTP/SurveyUSA poll.

“Donald ...