Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Quick Hits: Volume CCLXXIV

 - Because it's a year ending in "2," that means new Congressional/Legislative maps are redrawn to adjust to changes in population over the previous ten years. On Tuesday, Minnesota's map was released


The newly drawn congressional districts keep the 7th in western Minnesota and extend the 8th west to take in all the state’s northern Native American reservations and south to the northeast metro area.

 

The 2nd District, which is arguably the state’s most politically competitive, contracts — losing Goodhue and Wabasha Counties. That could be a positive development for incumbent DFL Rep. Angie Craig, who faces a rematch of the 2020 race this year with Republican Tyler Kistner.


Stats site FiveThirtyEight indicated nothing changed regarding Minnesota's eight Congressional Districts, as there are 4 GOP leaning districts, 3 Dem and 1 toss-up (the aforementioned 2nd District). 


For me personally, I remain in the 6th CD and have be drawn into Senate District 31 and House District 31A. Since my current State Senator and Representative both reside in Anoka, it means I will have entirely new representation at the Capitol this time next year (And no, this is not a teaser for a potential big personal announcement). 



- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau goes full fascist in attempting to shut down the "Freedom Convoy" taking place in his country. In an unprecedented move, Trudeau invoked "Emergency Powers" to freeze the bank accounts of these truckers. 


An off the cuff remark Trudeau made back in November 2013 gave us a glimpse into the kind of leader he could potentially be. 





Perhaps the Trudeau of today and 2013 would have been well served to take under advisement the sentiments of....uh.....Trudeau of 2012. 


 



How incredibly prescient



- My Minnesota Vikings officially named L.A. Rams Offensive Coordinator Kevin O'Connell their 10th head coach in the franchise's 60+ year history. 





I have no idea if this is the right move or not. However, given the innovation and creativity displayed by the Rams' offense, O'Connell must be licking his proverbial chops for the opportunity to work with WRs Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, TE Irv Smith, Jr. and RB Dalvin Cook. I deliberately left out QB Kirk Cousins because I'm not convinced he'll be back in 2022, but that's another discussion for another day. 


In the end, this is the Wilfs' first opportunity to completely overhaul the organization from top to bottom. And while the early returns are positive in terms of credentials for their new hires, the real work has yet to begin. 


Let's go!!


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