Republican Third District House candidates make their case to caucus-goers

Two Republican candidates for the Third Congressional District House seat, being vacated by Rep. Dean Phillips, spoke to a group of about 200 people at the Senate District 49 Republican Caucus at Central Middle School on Tuesday, Feb. 27.

The caucus represents a crucial first step for residents to influence the political process, including electing delegates and officers, as well as engaging with candidates.

“We had a number of new people, so that’s always exciting,” said Ellen Cousins, SD49 GOP chair. “We continue to work hard to make sure all conservatives feel welcome and re-engage in our party, so seeing these new faces validates the work we have done in this area.”

Candidates Tad Jude and Brad Kohler spoke in person before endorsement, delegate selection, and platform meetings began. Letters written by candidates Jamie Page and Quentin Witttrock were read to those gathered. Blaize Hartyhas also registered for Phillips’ seat but was not at the caucus meeting.

David Hann, chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party who lives in the district, also made an appearance, urging the crowd to vote and support Republican candidates in the state primary March 5.

“Statewide, we are devoting a lot of efforts to get people out to vote by March 5 in the presidential primary,” Cousins said. “This is very important to us as we will gain a better understanding of who and where our voters are in the state.”

Cousins mentioned that “out-of-control spending under the DFL trifecta” was a frequently mentioned issue at the caucus.

With the small margins that gave them the majorities in both bodies of government, it is clear they do not have the mandate that they claim to have to do what they did in 2023,” Cousins said.