Wide Awake Minnesota

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews are joined by Sherburne County Commissioner Andrew Hulse to discuss the election night issues in Sherburne County.  The conversation centers on a data upload error involving mail-in ballots. Due to a partially seated memory card, the Minnesota Secretary of State's website displayed only partial election results. Commissioner Hulse explains the complex tabulation and reporting process, the safeguards in place, and the human error that caused the discrepancy. Commissioner Hulse emphasizes that no ballots were "found" but that the data was incorrectly transmitted. The issue led to a recount, which confirmed the accuracy of the results. The discussion highlights broader concerns about election security, human error, and the impact of public mistrust on voter turnout.  Hann and Mathews call for greater citizen involvement in the electoral process through public test attendance, engagement with county commissioners, and serving as election judges.

In this episode, Republican Party of Minnesota Executive Director Anna Mathews is joined by Alicia Leiviska, campaign director for the House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC), to reflect on the Minnesota House elections and the GOP's successful efforts to break the Democratic trifecta.  Alicia shares insights into the HRCC's strategy, including robust field teams, strong candidate support, and record-breaking fundraising led by Representative Lisa Demuth. They discuss the challenges of running in purple districts, voter psychology in split-ticket areas, and significant GOP wins in historically Democratic districts like the Iron Range and Winona. With the Minnesota House now tied, the episode explores the political implications and emphasizes the importance of grassroots engagement, voter outreach, and legislative involvement in shaping the state's future.

In this episode, Republican Party of Minnesota Executive Director Anna Mathews engages with guests Dahlia al-Aqidi and Tad Jude, Republican congressional candidates in Minnesota. Dahlia, who is challenging Ilhan Omar in the 5th District, discusses her vision for inclusivity and public safety and her opposition to Omar's policies, which she argues have damaged the community, especially in areas like crime and police funding. Tad Jude, competing for the seat vacated by Dean Phillips in the 3rd District, emphasizes his plan to make Minnesota more affordable by cutting taxes and reducing government spending.  Both candidates criticize their opponents for aligning too closely with Democrats' progressive agendas. They highlight key issues like education, cost of living, and public safety as central to their platforms. The episode ends with a call for financial support and voter participation in the upcoming elections.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss JD Vance's recent visit to Minneapolis and its contentious media coverage, focusing on rising crime, media bias, and political accountability. They criticize the media's portrayal of Vance's comments on the state of Minneapolis, arguing that the city's struggles with crime and business closures reflect more profound governance failures under Democratic leadership. They emphasize the importance of supporting police, tackling crime, and the need for change in the upcoming election. With just three weeks left until election day, they urge listeners to vote early and encourage others to do the same, stressing the election's critical role in shaping Minnesota's and the nation's future.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss the concerns surrounding Minnesota's new automatic voter registration system, especially in light of recent reports that non-citizens have been mistakenly registered to vote due to the state's new "driver's licenses for all" law. They criticize the Minnesota DFL's one-sided implementation of election laws, which they argue has led to security flaws, such as the potential for non-citizens to receive ballots. The episode highlights a recent case where a non-citizen received a ballot and emphasizes the Republican Party's efforts to address these issues, including letters sent to the Secretary of State and the Department of Public Safety.  Hann and Mathews also stress the importance of election integrity and encourage listeners to get involved as poll challengers or election judges.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss the latest polling data for the 2024 elections, focusing on Minnesota's tight political landscape. They highlight how the Harris-Walz ticket struggles to gain traction, with polls showing a shrinking lead over Trump, especially among independent voters.  They discuss that while Democrats lead in urban areas like Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, Republicans are seeing strong support in the rest of the state. They stress the importance of engaging with voters, especially independents, and encourage early voting as a strategic move to maximize GOP turnout. Hann and Mathews offer a hopeful outlook for Republicans, noting that Minnesota could be in play for a GOP victory in both the presidential race and the state legislature.

In this episode, Republican Party of Minnesota Executive Director Anna Mathews welcomes Representative Walter Hudson, the newly appointed Strategic Outreach and Engagement Director.  They discuss the importance of outreach efforts in diverse communities, including Rep. Hudson's initiative at the Juneteenth festival, where he engaged with voters by setting up a booth encouraging open dialogue. Rep.Hudson emphasizes that many of the values held by underrepresented communities align with Republican principles, and he stresses the need for the party to be more present in these areas. They also talk about the GOP's commitment to building relationships and developing a long-term strategy to expand its base, highlighting the significance of grassroots efforts, meaningful conversations, and the necessity of engaging voters across Minnesota.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's shortcomings and failures. They criticize his tenure as highly partisan, arguing that Walz has governed by catering to the far-left progressive base despite campaigning as a centrist. The hosts highlight several specific issues, including his handling of election laws, anti-business policies, and failure to improve Minnesota's education system despite significant spending. They also recount his poor leadership during the George Floyd riots, his draconian COVID-19 policies, and the substantial COVID-19 fraud scandal under his administration. The conversation further delves into the potential national implications if Walz were considered a vice-presidential candidate. Both Hann and Mathews express disbelief that Walz, whom they view as a divisive and ineffective leader, could attract centrist or rural votes on a national scale. They stress the importance of Republican voter turnout in the upcoming elections to counteract what they see as damaging Democratic policies. Hann and Mathews also touch on various symbolic and practical grievances, including changes to the state flag and marijuana legalization, underscoring their belief that Walz's tenure has been detrimental to Minnesota's overall well-being.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss the vibrant atmosphere and high level of unity among delegates at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.  Chairman Hann shares personal reflections on his first RNC Convention experience, noting the celebratory atmosphere and the camaraderie among delegates.  They discuss the potential political strategies moving forward, including the importance of the new VP pick, J.D. Vance, in attracting key voter demographics. The episode wraps up with thoughts on the future political landscape, emphasizing the need for continued unity and strategic planning within the Republican Party.

In this episode of Wide Awake Minnesota, Executive Director Anna Mathews sits down with two of the Minnesota Republican Party's most competitive candidates, Republican-endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Royce White and Republican-endorsed candidate for Congress in Minnesota's Second Congressional District Taylor Rahm, to discuss their campaigns against incumbents Rep. Angie Craig and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. Royce White and Tayler Rham share personal insights, campaign updates, and strategies to mobilize voters in their districts. They emphasize the importance of grassroots efforts, address key voter concerns such as the economy and immigration, and highlight their commitment to limited government and America First principles. Additionally, they reflect on the challenges of media bias and the significance of voter engagement in the upcoming primaries and general elections.