RFK on Ballot in Minnesota and Key Battleground States: Election Update
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may have suspended his campaign, but his presence is still felt on the ballot in many states, including Minnesota. Despite his decision to step back from the race, Kennedy’s name will appear alongside other major party candidates in the upcoming general election on Nov. 5.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon recently certified the major political party candidates for president and vice president. The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party selected Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as their nominees, while the Republican Party chose Donald Trump and JD Vance. However, Kennedy will also be listed on the ballot, along with candidates from the Green Party, Independent, Justice For All, Libertarian Party, Socialism and Liberation, Socialist Workers Party, and more.
Polls have indicated that Kennedy’s candidacy has had a notable impact on the race, particularly affecting Trump more than President Joe Biden (and now Harris). Kennedy made the decision to suspend his campaign and endorsed Trump, stating that his name would be removed from swing states crucial to determining the outcome of the presidential election. However, states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Carolina have informed the Kennedy campaign that it’s either legally prohibited or too late to make changes to the ballot, as they have already been printed. Other swing states are expected to follow suit.
Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota, has been actively participating in campaign events and fundraising efforts since being selected as Harris’ running mate. He recently embarked on a tour through southeast Georgia with Harris to engage with rural voters in a battleground state. The duo made a stop at a barbecue restaurant outside of Savannah, where they interacted with teachers and received gratitude for Walz’s background as a former high school teacher.
Georgia, once considered out of reach for Democrats, is now showing a tight race between Harris and Trump, as indicated by recent polls. Walz and Harris are making efforts to reach a broader audience, including a significant appearance in the first major television interview of their presidential campaign with Dana Bash on CNN. During the interview, Harris defended Biden’s economic policies and hinted at appointing a Republican to her cabinet as a gesture towards bipartisanship.
The campaign trail has been eventful for Walz, who faced criticism regarding his military service. Despite admitting to misspeaking about his rank in the National Guard, Walz defended his 24 years of military service and emphasized his commitment to not demeaning others’ military contributions. Trump, in response, urged tough questioning from Bash during the interview.
In a separate development, federal authorities charged two foreign nationals with “swatting” attacks and bomb threats against U.S. senior government officials, including in Minnesota. The indictments highlighted the seriousness of these incidents, which aimed to provoke a police response at the victims’ homes. The involvement of individuals from Romania and Serbia in these criminal activities raised concerns about international threats to U.S. officials.
The Harris-Walz campaign has prioritized outreach to young voters, but recent reports indicate that older voters, particularly in states like Minnesota, are more politically engaged. A study by Seniorly revealed that Minnesota seniors ranked high in political engagement compared to other states. The report emphasized the significance of senior voters in the upcoming election, citing issues such as inflation, immigration, social security, and healthcare costs as driving factors for their high voter turnout.
In terms of electoral races, a rematch between Rep. Pete Stauber and Jen Schultz is underway, with Schultz potentially benefiting from having Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar on the ballot. Meanwhile, Otter Tail County in Minnesota experienced population growth, attributed to factors such as its numerous lakes and strong workforce in healthcare, social assistance, and manufacturing sectors.
The state Supreme Court faced a conflict of interest case involving Michelle McDonald, who was barred from running for the court due to a suspended law license. Despite the substitute court’s denial of McDonald’s petition, the incident raised questions about the integrity of the judicial process and candidate qualifications.
In conclusion, the upcoming election in key battleground states like Minnesota presents a complex landscape of candidates, issues, and voter demographics. The presence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the ballot adds an intriguing element to the race, while campaigns continue to navigate challenges and engage with voters across various platforms. With the political climate evolving rapidly, the final outcome remains uncertain, highlighting the importance of informed and active participation in the democratic process.