There's a place where mornings are an endless blue......

I could really use a third hour for today's edition of my radio show The Closer. Alas, I'll have to soldier on with the regular 2 hours, starting at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the 1:00 hour, I'll broach myriad topics on the Minnesota political landscape, including the perpetual trash fire that is the Republican Party of Minnesota. Also, the Friday night news dump included a tidbit about the race to replace Sen. Tina Smith. 

Then in the second hour I will weigh in on a new book on the coordinated coverup of then President Joe Biden's mental and physical decline. 

Finally at 2:30, RedBalloon CEO Andrew Crapuchettes will join the broadcast to discuss the left's war on cops and how America can rebuild America's law enforcement ranks. 

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

 

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Short run

Dang, I've had sneezes which lasted longer. 

In a surprise move, former state Sen. Melisa Lopez Franzen dropped out of Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race. Congresswoman Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan are the two front runners for DFL endorsement for the seat now held by Tina Smith, who is not running for reelection. pic.twitter.com/9BHRDdxaEJ

— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) May 17, 2025

I respectfully disagree with Tom's sentiment that this was a "surprise move." Lopez Franzen was one of three Democrat candidates vying for this seat. Of the other two, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will likely be endorsed by the DFL grassroots given the majority of delegates will be on the far left. And then you have Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02) with her national profile and significant war chest. No doubt she will take this to the Dem primary where she will prevail over Flanagan. As such, there just wasn't a realistic path for Lopez Franzen. 

Because Democrats will have a built in advantage in the 2026 midterms (opposite party of the current President) combined with the MNGOP being a perpetual gong show, get used to saying Senator Angie Craig. 

----------------------------------------------------

Monday's Minneapolis forecast: chance of unrest

This past Monday, a friend of a friend (who is well connected to law enforcement agencies in Minnesota) sent me a copy of a text message he received. 

Heads up, MN Dept of Public Safety (DPS) has put out an alert to all MN law enforcement agencies that Derek Chauvin will likely get a commuted sentence or partial pardon on May 19th. I've no(w) confirmed this with 4 separate agencies, so I'm confident they got the notice.  Don't know if the pardon is real, I assume it is.

I hesitated to share this on the blog earlier simply because I had heard nothing from any local news outlets. Certainly someone within Twin Cities media would have heard from a source regarding this, right?

Then on Wednesday, a story relating to this very saga came out in the Minnesota Star Tribune. 

State political and law enforcement leaders are preparing for the possibility that President Donald Trump could pardon former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s federal conviction in connection with the murder of George Floyd.

Responding to questions from reporters this week, Gov. Tim Walz said the White House has given him no indication that a federal pardon for Chauvin is imminent. Nonetheless, he’s bracing for the possibility, reminding people that even if Chauvin’s sentence is commuted on the federal level, he would be transferred to Minnesota to serve out the remainder of his lengthy state prison term.

So if that's the case, why would there be concern that unrest will happen if indeed a Chauvin pardon occurs? Given his State and Federal sentences run concurrently, Chauvin would be released from prison at the end of 2035 if indeed Trump pardons him. But that would only be two years sooner than if his Federal sentence remains intact. Are people really going to (again) burn down the city of Minneapolis over a lengthy sentence essentially being cut short by a measly two years?

Then again, that's implying that people destroyed the city five years ago due to legitimate feelings of aggrievement as opposed to, say, using it as an excuse for general thuggery. 

-----------------------------------

Quick Hits: Volume CCCLXXIV

- I'm genuinely befuddled by a few things which regularly occur in the political arena, but one question which I've never asked myself is "Gee, I wonder why Minnesota Republicans can't ever break through and win a statewide race?" 

In case any of y'all want an answer, the latest circular firing squad is a perpetuation of nearly two decades of dysfunction. 

Hundreds of conservatives across Minnesota gathered in Bloomington on Monday evening for one of the state Republican Party’s biggest fundraising events of the year.

But none of the state‘s highest-ranking Republicans attended the event amid disagreements with the direction the party is going under the leadership of its new chair Alex Plechash and executive director Jennifer DeJournett, who they believe are associating too closely with conservative grassroots factions of the party, several Republican sources told the Minnesota Star Tribune.

It’s a stark contrast from last year, when President Donald Trump headlined the fundraiser and the state‘s highest-ranking GOP Rep. Tom Emmer, the No. 3 Republican in the U.S. House, pledged to donate $100,000 to the party.

“I think the congressional folks want to see a strong party and want to see a party that they can work with,” said former Minnesota GOP Chair David Hann, who lost the leadership position to Plechash in December. “It seems that they’re not finding that in the current administration.”

Plechash denied that there‘s friction between the state party and congressional delegation, calling it “simply false.”

The target of the elected MN Republicans' ire is a group called Action 4 Larceny Liberty. This organization is little more than a grift operation which cares more about undermining elected Republicans (in their minds, anyone who has won an election is part of the "establishment") as opposed to actually working towards a GOP majority. That said, if A4L chair Jake Douchebag Duesenberg is to be believed, his group doesn't have a whole lotta love for the MNGOP these days. 

Jakey is probably still pissed that Plechash discouraged GOP candidates from using the tedious term "RINO" since it alienates some potential Republican voters from participating in the process. Given there aren't enough committed Republicans in the state of Minnesota, it's probably not a great idea to turn away someone who agrees with you "only" 90% of time, thus allowing a Democrat to prevail in elections. So while Plechash may not have received a full-throated A4L endorsement to be party chair, he was warmly received by the grift group simply because he was not David Hann. 

If I can offer Jake any advice I would say let people who have actually helped win elections do the heavy lifting, thus allowing him more time to update his organization's filings with the IRS. 

Oof. Might wanna get on that posthaste. 

- It took 'em a while, but mainstream media outlets are finally looking into a problem which has been plaguing Americans since about 2021.

NBC News is tracking changes in the prices of eggs, bread, ground beef, chicken and other grocery items to monitor the impact on consumers’ food bills. https://t.co/pb7PMJZYXv

— NBC News (@NBCNews) May 12, 2025

As NBC et al know by now, this was a salient issue during the presidential campaign, but they were too busy telling Americans not to believe their lying eyes. 

What's even more amusing about NBC's tweet it is was rather ill-timed. 

 

🚨Even CNN couldn't ignore that inflation just hit its LOWEST point since 2021.

"It's an unexpected and very welcome development that's defying economists' expectations..." pic.twitter.com/ywW4WYXGME

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) May 13, 2025 

Egg prices down 12.7%, biggest drop since March 1984, second biggest drop on record pic.twitter.com/AWcuDPb8qh

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) May 13, 2025

They still think you're stupid. 

- After appearing in the NBA's Western Conference Finals just once in their first 34 years of existence, the Minnesota Timberwolves are now one win away from their second consecutive trip to that round. After a 117-110 win over the Golden St. Warriors on Monday, the Wolves now have a commanding 3-1 series lead. 

Perhaps may favorite aspect of the Wolves potentially dispatching the Warriors is the toxic Jimmy Butler being sent packing. If you recall, Butler played 1-1/2 seasons for the Timberwolves, demanding a trade after year one. When his request wasn't granted, Butler verbally assaulted teammates, coaches and executives during a scrimmage at practice. That's been a trend throughout Butler's career in that he makes a favorable initial impression only to wear out his welcome within a year or two. 

SKOR North's Judd Zulgad is also ecstatic to see Butler humbled, but articulated it better than I could have ever dreamed. 

"I love this, this is karma come full circle. There's no better team to put his lights out than the Minnesota Timberwolves" 🙌

- @jzulgad is LOVING watching Jimmy Butler having karma handed to him by the #Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/ab1feEbzYX

— SKOR North - Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) May 13, 2025

Just finish the job Wednesday, boys. 

-----------------------------------------------------

Box Score of the Week

Houston Astros vs Pittsburgh Pirates - May 8, 1992.

---------------------------------

Astros pitcher Butch Henry became the first player in MLB history whose first career hit was an inside-the-park home run. 

----------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 5/11/2025

----------------------------------

I was once out strolling one very hot summer's day.....

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

I visited with my mom yesterday, so I'm rarin' to go for today's edition of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour broadcast gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour, I'll talk about Minnesota right wing grift groups who claim they want to help Republicans win elections but their actions tell a different story. Also, journalist Liz Collin was vindicated by a judge in regards to her documentary The Fall of Minneapolis.

At 2:00, writer, author and "undisputed king of stuff" Jon Gabriel will join the broadcast to discuss the encouraging trend of more and more Americans flocking to traditional faith.

And finally......Habemus Papam. 

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

 

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quick Hits: Volume CCCLXXIII

 - America's favorite octogenarian commie is OK with you standing in long lines to wait for commercial flights, but don't you dare ask him to do it. 

WATCH: @BretBaier challenges Bernie Sanders on why he spent $221k using private jets during his ‘fighting oligarchy’ tour pic.twitter.com/lMii8D4HC1

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) May 7, 2025

I love the bit how Sanders considers it abhorrent that "people on top are doing phenomenally well" as if he hasn't used his position in government to enrich himself, thus catapulting to "the top." 

Back to the excessive private jets usage. This rationale from one of  Bernie's staunch defenders falls flat.

 

Bernie Sanders is 83 and had to be in multiple states in the same day. In that situation you fly private.

— Andrew Yang🧢⬆️🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) May 8, 2025

Uhhhh...he "had to be?!?!?!" Why, exactly? This demagoguery tour with Tide Pod Evita Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was something he's *chosen* to do, yet the insinuation here is that if he doesn't travel to multiple states in a day, he'll lose out on some sort of livelihood (which, come to think of it, may be partially true; demagoguery can be lucrative).

Ironically, exempting yourself from a group you decry despite having so much in common with them might be something an oligarch would do. 

- I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the only political organization to which I donate money regularly is the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus. 

In a recent statement, they called out the grifter group MN Gun Rights. 

Once again, Minnesota Gun Rights is pushing out a misleading email claiming the “Assault Weapons Ban” (SF 1596 / HF 2449) is heating up and about to pass.

Let’s be clear:

❌ This bill has had zero hearings. 

❌ It has no support from DFL leadership this session. 

❌ We’ve spoken with nearly every GOP legislator, including the so-called “soft” ones — none of them support this bill.

This legislation is not moving. It is not a current threat.

This is yet another example of MGR’s tired playbook: 

➡️ Stir up panic with alarmist rhetoric 

➡️ Target low-information gun owners 

➡️ Fundraise off fear and falsehoods

They’ve done it before. They’re doing it again. And it’s hurting the real fight to defend gun rights in Minnesota.

We’ll continue to oppose this bill, and we’ll keep the pressure on at the Capitol - where we are today (and they are not).

But misleading supporters with lies to line your pockets? That’s not activism. That’s a grift.

It's similar to what PAC Action 4 Liberty does. 

A4L yearns for another Democrat trifecta.

It's their best fundraising environment.

They betray conservatives while pretending to be their champions.

My RTing them will get more engagement than they could get on their own.

But I'm happy to expose their treachery. https://t.co/kTGln1Ks71

— Walter Hudson (@WalterHudson) May 8, 2025

Just a friendly reminder that when an organization makes its biggest fundraising haul when the political side they supposedly support is in peril (real or perceived), these people can not be credibly seen as "allies." 

- Habemus Papam!

Never in the history of the Roman Catholic Church has there been an American pope, until now. Cardinal Robert Prevost is originally from Chicago, and served as the head of the church's Dicastery for Bishops.

He was elected to be the successor to Pope Francis by the College of Cardinals Thursday, May 8, 2025. He has chosen the papal name Pope Leo XIV.

As is custom (particularly in America), people want to look at the papal election through their own political bent. It's somewhat understanding now, given that Leo XIV is the first ever American born pope. But as Matt Walsh of The Daily Wire points out, a papal election is not something that can be (or should be) viewed in that context. 

If you aren't Catholic then you don't believe that this Pope was elected through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, so you'll troll through his Twitter feed and analyze his selection through a modern political lens, as if he was just elected to a seat in the US senate rather than the Chair of Saint Peter.

If you are a believing Catholic then you do (or should) believe that his election is ordained by God. You view it through the lens of 2,000 years of Church history and the eternal will of the Almighty God. From that perspective, playing the gotcha game with old tweets is silly and bizarre.

This is why any conversation about the Pope on this site is destined to be disjointed, confused, and ultimately useless.

My own very early impression (as someone in the second category) is that there are some good signs and bad signs with this new Pope. I want to see what he actually does with his papacy before I pass any kind of judgment. If he does things I don't like, I'll say so. As I did with Pope Francis. In the meantime, I'll pray for him and for the Church.

One final thought: If Saturday Night Live doesn't address this historic event with a sketch about Da Pope (in the motif of Da Bears), then it's a dereliction of duty. 

------------------------------------------------------------

An orange Bernie?

Barack Obama - "I mean, I do think at a certain point you’ve made enough money."

Bernie Sanders -  "You don’t necessarily need a choice of 23 underarm spray deodorants or of 18 different pairs of sneakers when children are hungry in this country."

Donald Trump - "Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally. But we’re not talking about something that we have to go out of our way. They have ships that are loaded up with stuff, much of which — not all of it — but much of which we don’t need." 

-------------------------------------------------

Box Score of the Week

Chicago Cubs at Brooklyn Dodgers - September 18, 1950. 

-------------------------------------

Ron Northey of the Cubs hit his third career pinch hit grand slam home run in this game, which is the most in an MLB career. Since then, three other players have achieved that feat, but Northey was the first. 

--------------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 5/4/2025

----------------------------------------

The way the plants are dyin' you'd swear its fall......

Happy Star Wars Day!

While I'm a Star Wars fan, we're not gonna spend any time commemorating this "holiday." No, there's too much to get to on today's edition of my radio show The Closer, which will get started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the 1:00 hour, I'll be joined by NASCAR Kelly Gunderson, who is a regular member of The Jack Tomczak Show. Kel and I will be chatting about myriad topics regarding Minnesota politics, including Congresswoman Angie Craig deciding to run for U.S. Senate, the ripple effect in MN CD2 from Craig's decision, Gov. Tim Walz's latest bizarre statement, etc. 

At 2:00, writer, author and "undisputed king of stuff" Jon Gabriel will join the broadcast to discuss the encouraging trend of more and more Americans flocking to traditional faith. Also, he'll weigh in on President Trump's first 100 days.   Jon forgot about his guest appearance. He'll be on next Sunday.

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

 

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exependable

When Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) was running for his current seat in 2022, the main argument against his election was that he was clearly still affected by a severe stroke he suffered just prior to his winning Pennsylvania's Democrat primary election. The one Senate debate he engaged in against his GOP opponent Dr. Mehmet Oz only served to exacerbate those concerns. Heck, you even had an NBC reporter being thrown under the bus when she dared to reveal how behind the scenes Fetterman struggled to process questions being asked of him. 

Of course, Fetterman was ultimately elected to the U.S. Senate, where he took the oath of office in January 2023. Shortly after he assumed his post, Fetterman sought treatment for clinical depression, an occasion which Dems engaged in a full on gaslighting campaign when concerns were once again raised about his overall health (sound familiar?). And those broaching these issues were in many cases dismissed as being "abelists."

Like with President Joe Biden, there are now reports coming out that Fetterman is (SURPRISE!) unfit for his job. With Biden, there was a sense of urgency to discourage his disastrous 2024 reelection campaign since it became glaringly obvious he was going to lose to Donald Trump. So why are the proverbial long knives suddenly coming out for Fetterman? Are there suddenly genuine concerns about his health or is it merely attributable to his (GASP!!) bipartisan streak, specifically his support for Israel or his even considering voting for Pete Hegseth's confirmation as Defense Secretary?

The back-and-forth led to what one person in his office at the time called a full-blown meltdown. According to a contemporaneous text message from this staffer sent to a colleague, Fetterman had become so distraught about the Hegseth vote, as well as chatter in the media that he might switch parties and become a Republican, that he spent part of the day locked in his office, fighting with Gisele and crying while FaceTiming with staff. “He says that they are trying to cancel him again but we don’t know who ‘they’ are,” a staffer said in a text. Fetterman ultimately voted against Hegseth’s nomination. In a statement, Fetterman said, “My no vote on Pete Hegseth speaks for itself. The rest is pure conjecture.” ...

In early November, just weeks after the attack, Gisele arrived at her husband’s Senate office and, according to a staffer present, they got into a heated argument.

"They are bombing refugee camps. How can you support this?” the staffer recalled her saying with tears in her eyes.

“That’s all propaganda,” Fetterman replied.

Later, a still visibly upset Gisele pulled the staffer aside. She asked him if members of Fetterman’s team were pushing him to take these stances for political reasons. The staffer told her that the opposite was true: Many of them were as upset as she was. “If you’re pushing back on this, there’s no hope,” the staffer recalled her saying. “This is horrible news.”

As Jim Geraghty at National Review astutely observes, the timing of these staffer "concerns" are quite telling. 

Let me get this straight: Back when Fetterman could barely speak during the debate, his medical condition was no big deal, and certainly not a reason to keep him out of elected office. But now that he’s speaking more clearly, but taking positions that irritate progressives, *now* his staffers think something’s not right with his brain? From what everyone else can see, Fetterman’s in significantly better shape than he was in 2022 and early 2023. (Last year I interacted with him briefly in the Fox News green room.)

I hope Fetterman’s in the best position possible, and I hope he’s following the instructions from his doctors. But both the staffer concern and New York Magazine’s attention on Fetterman’s health are remarkably conveniently timed.

Fetterman has nearly four years remaining in his current term. Short of his resigning, the Dems are stuck with him for that duration, so his presence in the Senate will only serve as a reminder of how intolerant leftists are of views which defy the prog orthodoxy. Yup, once again Democrats have been hoisted by their own petard. 

------------------------------------------------

Dorky white guy couldn't sway white dudes

We're nearly six months removed from the 2024 presidential election, yet Nebraska Fats Tim Walz is still spinning yarns about his time as Dem candidate Kamala Harris's running mate. And his latest admission is.....bizarre. 

Walz said Harris chose him, in part, because “I could code talk to white guys watching football, fixing their truck” and “put them at ease.” The Minnesota governor described himself as the “permission structure” for white men from rural America to vote for Democrats.

“I think I’ll give you pretty good stuff, but I’ll also give you 10% problematic,” Walz added when pushed by moderator Brittany Shepherd, an ABC News national political reporter, about why he didn’t take that message to cable news to reach a larger audience. Walz laughed off criticism over inconsistencies in his background on the 2024 campaign trail, describing himself as a “knucklehead.”

This is Exhibit A as to why Dems have bled support of working class white males over the past decade. They assume that white dudes only care about superficial aspects of their lives as opposed to kitchen table issues like affordability of everyday goods or government becoming overly intrusive in too many aspects of their lives. But therein lies the rub for progs in that they know full well they can't speak credilby on fixing such issues. And given Walz's tenure as Minnesota governor saw the state go from an $18 billion budget surplus to a projected $6 billion deficit, you can understand why he avoided economic talk like the bubonic plague. What's hilarious is Walz couldn't even adequately handle the football portion of his outreach, evidenced by his cringe-inducing online video of he and Tide Pod Evita  Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez playing Madden.

Is it any wonder this buffoon isn't even registering in the top 10 among Democrat hopefuls for President in 2028?

----------------------------------------------------

Quick Hits: Volume CCCLXXII

- Another domino falls in Minnesota's 2026 election cycle. 

Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig entered the U.S. Senate race Tuesday, joining a growing field to replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith.

Craig’s entry to the Senate race means she won’t seek a fifth term to her U.S. House seat, a decision likely to create a competitive contest to replace her in the Second Congressional District.

Craig’s announcement comes as she’s been raising her profile in recent weeks by holding town halls in the districts of the four Republican members of the Minnesota congressional delegation who have chosen to hold virtual town halls instead.

She joins the Democratic field with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and former state Sen. Melisa López Franzen, who have been campaigning for the last several weeks. She has the most money of the Democrats in the field.

The way I see it, Craig is immediately the frontrunner for the Dem nomination. Yes her fundraising prowess is superior but she is also not perceived as far left as Flanagan and has significantly higher name recognition than López Franzen. And even if Flanagan were to get the DFL endorsement (quite likely since the party grassroots is so far left), Craig with her insurmountable war chest will most assuredly take this battle to a primary where she will prevail. 

So now Craig's Congressional seat in CD2 is suddenly open, meaning there are plenty of candidates from both parties throwing out feelers. 

 

In the Democratic field, Tara Erickson, a campaign spokesperson for state Sen. Matt Klein, told the Star Tribune the DFLer from Mendota Heights is planning to announce a run for the Second Congressional District seat “in the coming weeks.”

Former state Sen. Matt Little previously told the Star Tribune he would run for Craig’s House seat if she ran for Senate. Former Minneapolis DFL Vice Chair Mike Norton has also said he plans to run for Craig’s seat.

In the Republican field, Craig’s two-time Republican opponent Tyler Kistner plans to announce he’s running for the seat “soon,” his advisor, Matthew Pagano, told the Star Tribune.

Kistner had the support from the NRCC and Second Congressional District Republicans during his 2020 and 2022 runs against Craig.

Tayler Rahm, who dropped out of the Second Congressional District Republican primary last year and had strong support from the district’s conservative grassroots base, also did not rule out another run when recently asked.

“Right now, I’m keeping my options open,” Rahm said in an interview earlier this month. “My decision is going to be based on what is best for the district and for my family.”

Joe Teirab, Craig’s most recent Republican opponent, also didn’t rule out a bid when asked this month. And state Sen. Eric Pratt, R-Prior Lake, said: “I haven’t made a decision,” when recently asked this month if he plans to run.

This has been a swing district ever since John Kline chose not to seek reelection in 2016. However, Craig had won every election since 2018, including a whopping 13-point victory last November. And given the '26 climate is shaping up to be difficult for Republicans, this seat (as of today anyhow) will likely stay blue. 

- University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders fell all the way to the 5th round of the NFL draft despite many draft prognosticators rating him as the second best QB available. There's a lot of credible speculation as to why he slid so far, but I don't care to get into that here. 

Nevertheless, I found an undeniable heartwarming moment when Sanders expressed his delight (and likely relief) upon being drafted. And said moment came courtesy of a.....fast food company?!?!?!

 

The Colonel was rejected 1,009 times before finally landing our famous original recipe. Sometimes all a Sanders needs is a little time to cook. Congrats Shedeur!!

— KFC (@kfc) April 27, 2025

Hopefully this humbling experience serves as a springboard for Sanders. I know I'll be rooting for him. 

- The good, bad and ugly of the first 100 days of President Donald Trump's second term. 

Good: The southern U.S. border is under control to the point where America no longer appears to be under a foreign invasion. And thus far Trump appears to have unified a fragile House majority ready to codify his fiscal agenda, for which only a simple majority would be required in both Congressional chambers if done via reconciliation. 

Bad: Trump and his administration's incoherent message on tariffs has spooked investors to the point where the stock market has lost trillions of dollars in market cap over the past month. Given a significant number of Americans have their retirement funds tied to the stock market, this is having real world consequences for the working class folks Trump says he's fighting for. 

Ugly: Whether it's needlessly alienating allies with nonsensical desires to make their country a 51st state or the defense department flouting protocols when handling sensitive information, what was a seemingly calm first month of the Trump administration has suddenly resembled the raging garbage fire we saw in the final months of his first term. 

And we only have 1,360 days to go. 

-----------------------------------------------

Box Score of the Week

San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres - April 25, 1986.

----------------------------------------

Padres relief pitcher Craig Lefferts allowed a run to the Giants in the top of the 12th inning, and thus was in line to get the loss. However, Lefferts helped his own cause with a game-winning home run in the bottom of that frame. It was the last time a pitcher ended a game with a homer. 

------------------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 4/27/2025

------------------------------------------

Controversial deal in another show of congressional reports.....

The last Sunday of April, meaning we're about a third of the way through 2025. Wow.

Anyhow, I will be on the air today for my radio show The Closer. Today's 2-hour stint gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour, I'll weigh in on a lot of Minnesota news, specifically the Soros-backed Hennepin County Attorney going soft, the MN AG getting rebuked by SCOTUS, Gov. Tim Walz's focusing more on national during his "State of the State," etc. 

Then in the second hour, longtime friend of the show (and lifelong Catholic) Mark "Mr. D" Heuring will join the broadcast to discuss the legacy of Pope Francis, what we might expect in Francis's successor, etc. 

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

 

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Huh. What changed?

Sen. Tina "The Butcher" Smith (D-MN) reacting to the arrest of a Wisconsin judge allegedly flouting the law. 

Understand what this is: If Kash Patel and Donald Trump don’t like a judge, they think they can arrest them. This is stunning — we must stand up to this blatant power grab.

Republicans: How is this not a red line for you?

— Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) April 25, 2025

Compare those sentiments to what she conveyed almost five years earlier. 

No one is above the law.

— Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) July 9, 2020

The title to the post is one of those rhetorical questions by the way. 

----------------------------------------------------- 

Walz: Pay no attention to the party who squandered an $18 billion surplus

In his State of the State address on Wednesday evening, Nebraska Fats Gov. Tim Walz basically used much of his allotted time as an extension of his national townhall tour. 

Walz excoriated (President Donald) Trump, saying he’s chosen to “destroy the federal government’s ability to help people” and “throw our economy into turmoil.”

In his primetime speech to a narrowly divided Minnesota Legislature, Walz positioned himself as a foil to Trump while expressing his willingness to work with Republicans at home. He looked at his legacy over the past six years, framing it around investments made in schools and families. The speech was reflective of Walz’s ambitions as a governor who’s mulling running for re-election while also leaving the door open to a possible national bid in 2028.

“As governor, I will continue to do everything in my power to protect Minnesotans from getting hurt, and continue to provide shelter from the storm,” Walz said.

Not really sure how prioritizing a far left prog agenda, unabashedly supporting a culture of death and squandering an $18 billion budget surplus squares with those objectives, but I'm certain Walz doesn't know either.   

In the aftermath of Walz's address, my state Rep. Harry Niska (R-Ramsey) rightfully called out Walz's demagoguery. 

 

Like @GovTimWalz, we are not elected to federal office, so our job is to reckon with Minnesota’s challenges. It is unfortunate that, instead, Gov. Walz engaged in a continued Trump Deflection Strategy centered around an angry anti-Trump rant. pic.twitter.com/OYARMol18C

— Rep. Harry Niska (@HarryNiska) April 24, 2025

Normally I'm not a big fan of symbolic, partisan legislation which is used to ding the other party. That said, Minnesota Republicans may have been on to something with their attempts to designate "Trump Derangement Syndrome" as a legit mental illness. 

------------------------------------

Quick Hits: Volume CCCLXXI

 - It's shouldn't be all that shocking when a certain Soros-backed county prosecutor (who once looked to charge a state trooper with manslaughter without weighing exculpatory evidence) goes soft on property crime when the suspect is aligned with her politically. 

A progressive prosecutor is declining to charge a Minnesota state employee after he was caught on camera allegedly causing an estimated $20,000 worth of damages to Tesla vehicles in protest of billionaire Elon Musk.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s office is seeking diversion for Minnesota Department of Human Service employee Dylan Adams after he allegedly vandalized at least six Teslas in Minneapolis while walking his dog.

“This is an approach taken in many property crime cases and helps to ensure the individual keeps their job and can pay restitution, as well as reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses,” the DA’s office told CBS News.

If the vandalism continues, the County Attorney’s office would not rule out charges. Progressive County Attorney Mary Moriarty took office in 2023 and has faced strong criticism for her soft-on-crime approach. On several occasions, Moriarty has shown leniency to violent criminals, including suspects charged with murder and sexual assault, leading to disputes with prosecutors and outrage among victims’ families.

So glad I live in Anoka County, where our County Attorney Brad Johnson made a very definitive statement. 

Just so that no one gets any silly ideas in the North Metro from this story. Offenders who commit a crime spree causing tens of thousands in damages to multiple victims will not be approved for pre-charge diversion in Anoka County. This is especially true if the lawlessness is politically motivated.

Pre-charge diversion can be a very useful tool to deal with people - especially those that are immediately remorseful - who make a stupid mistake or commit isolated crimes when under some type of distress. That was not this. It makes it worse that the offender is a State employee in a position of public trust. He would likely become a felon in Anoka County.

If anyone gets the urge to damage cars or other property as a political statement ... please think again ... the First Amendment is not a defense to criminal misconduct. And we have enough on our hands right now.

Remember. Treat your neighbors like you would like to be treated.

Moral clarity at its finest!

- The ilk who'd like you to believe that literal children should have the absolute right to transition to a different gender will also tell ya that some legal adults (specifically ages 18 thru 20) should not be able to exercise their Constitutional right to own a firearm. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is part of said ilk. Thankfully, the judicial branch essentially told him he was flat out wrong regarding the latter. 

The United States Supreme Court today declined to hear Keith Ellison’s appeal in Worth v. Jacobson, leaving intact lower‑court decisions that struck down the state’s 21+ age requirement for carry permits. This denial ends the litigation and confirms that law‑abiding 18‑ to 20‑year‑old Minnesotans are entitled to the same Second Amendment rights as every other adult.

“This is a resounding victory for 18-20-year-old adults who wish to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms,” stated Bryan Strawser, Chair, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus.

“Politicians should carefully consider the legal ramifications of infringing on Second Amendment rights,” added Rob Doar, Senior Vice President & Political Director. “The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and its allies will relentlessly pursue legal action against any unconstitutional measures introduced in Minnesota.”

Eternal vigilance pays off yet again. 

- Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88. 

My former Northern Alliance Radio Network colleague (and staunch Catholic) Ed Morrissey weighed in some aspects of Francis' legacy.  

I recall especially the reaction of the Argentine journalists in the press annex when the name (Francis) got announced, and the general sense of optimism that resulted after the bewilderment that came from Pope Benedict XVI's surprise retirement. Pope Francis' first moves to shed some of the pomp and ceremony in favor of a more pastoral approach generated even more enthusiasm.

However, that began to fade when Francis' "openly political" approach began to emerge, as my friend Frank Rocca writes above. Some of that was overblown; as I often wrote, the worst words to start off a Catholic journalist's day was a news report that began "Pope Francis said today," as it nearly always would be followed by something he hadn't actually said. The experience at the 2014 Synod on the Family was an Orwellian peek at this kind of misreporting (which I also covered from the Vatican press office).

Often enough, though, Francis' actual statements and writings generated considerable and legitimate controversy. That was especially true in the US, where the pope's observations on US policies confounded friends and opponents alike. Immigration policies were only one aspect of this; conservatives demanded more support for the fight against abortion, and liberals expected Francis to rewrite doctrine on ordination of women, divorce and remarriage, and especially on LGBTQ demands.

I'm not the least bit Catholic, but my impression is the faith is currently seeing its predominate growth occurring among traditionalists. I shared this observation with a couple in their 60s who happen to be lifelong Catholics. This is what the wife texted me: 

(Y)ou are absolutely 100% spot on. The traditionalists in the Catholic Church are exploding, especially in the young people. And boy do I see it every weekend. I cantor at our church and have the distinction of being in the 'front row seat' in terms of seeing the congregation. (T)he amount of young families with pregnant moms already with several small children, women wearing dresses and chapel veils has gone up exponentially. 😳

I worry that the Vatican is going to double down and pick another pope like Francis and try to alienate more Catholics. But it's only making the younger ones more staunch. It's going to be very interesting what happens next.

Ed also points out in a different piece that Francis appointed at least half of the voting cardinals that will participate in this conclave. Will the priority be to acknowledge the appetite for tradition or to perpetuate Francis' worldview? 

---------------------------------------------

Box Score of the Week

Washington Nationals at Cincinnati Reds - April 1, 2018.

-----------------------------------------

On this Easter Sunday, the Nats' Bryce Harper hit two home runs. It was the second consecutive season in which he hit two homers on that blessed holiday. 

-------------------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 4/20/2025

-------------------------------------

I drown in hesitation, my words come crashing down......

It's an Easter Sunday edition of my radio show The Closer. The broadcast gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

Right at 1:00, conservative commentator and New York Post syndicated columnist Karol Markowicz will be on to discuss the left's dangerous obsession with "assassination culture." 

At 1:30, Keri Heintzeman, GOP candidate for the special election in MN Senate District 6, will join the broadcast to discuss her win in the Republican primary as well as her campaign for the general election on April 29.

And of course......He is risen!!

You can listen in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page.

Until then.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good Friday

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:30

-----------------------------------------------------------

On to the special election

With Minnesota State Sen. Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) having resigned in disgrace last month, the party primaries took place Tuesday evening to set up the general election tilt for April 29. 

Since this district is heavily Republican, the winner of the GOP primary will likely coast to victory. I didn't have a proverbial dog in the fight, but I know definitively whom I didn't want to emerge victorious --- Jennifer Carnahan. And if her statement after her loss is to be believed, she totes didn't want it either. 

Thank you everyone who supported me today in the special election. It was a short runway and our campaign was severely outspent, but proud of the work we did and the new connections made (so happy I don't have to door knock anymore).

This is odd to say, but I'm thankful I don't have to go to St. Paul and didn't win. I love being Mayor of Nisswa, have a new business to focus on this summer season and love living in my bubble that is the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Come by City Hall or my shops and say hello when you are in the area!

I wouldn't put it past her if this campaign was more an effort to gin up business for her shops. Anyhow, I can at least be in solidarity with Jenny in that I too am thankful she doesn't have to go to St. Paul.

For the record, Keri Heintzeman will move on to the special general election in two weeks against DFLer Denise Slipy. 

Congrats, Keri!

-------------------------------------------

Box Score of the Week

Toronto Blue Jays at St. Louis Cardinals - June 5, 2003.

---------------------------------------

Cardinals starting pitcher Woody Williams was facing the Blue Jays for the first time since he was traded by Toronto after the 1998 season. Williams did not allow a hit until one out in the 8th inning, which in the expansion era was the longest no-hit bid by a pitcher facing a former team of his for the first time. 

---------------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 4/13/2025

------------------------------------

He has trampled down the enemy and has given us the victory.........

It's a guest-a-palooza on today's edition of my radio show The Closer. The 2-hour bonanza gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time.

Today's guest lineup:

• 1:30 - Phil Magness, economist and Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute, will be on to discuss the latest on President Donald Trump's trade policies.. 
• 2:00 - Jim Schultz, President of Minnesota Private Business Council and the 2022 GOP candidate for Minnesota Atty General, will join the broadcast to discuss AG Keith Ellison's questionable handling of the Feeding Our Future scandal. 
• 2:30 - Minnesota Family Council CEO Jeff Evans and Public Policy Director Becca Delahunt will be in studio to promote MFC's annual dinner, discuss their work at the Minnesota Legislature, etc. 

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

 

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quick Hits: Volume CCCLXX

- Bill Glahn of American Experiment has, for about a decade now, been doing yeoman's work with his investigative journalism of Minnesota politics. His latest reporting has to do with a certain high ranking elected official. 

Keith Ellison, Minnesota’s Attorney General, can clearly be heard pledging his support to individuals who would soon become his family’s campaign donors and later Feeding Our Future criminal defendants.

His recorded statements flatly contradict his contemporaneous public statements and raise uncomfortable questions about the intersection between political fundraising and constituent services.

American Experiment has exclusively obtained the complete 54-minute, 44-second audio file of a private December 2021 meeting between state Attorney General (AG) Keith Ellison and key figures in the Feeding Our Future scandal.

As I wrote last week, the audio file was named as Exhibit 710 on the evidence list presented to the court by Aimee Bock’s defense attorney, Kenneth Udoibok. The recording was not offered into evidence during the six-week trial that concluded last month, with Bock’s conviction on all seven counts she faced.

Definitely check out Glahn's entire piece, which includes audio conversations featuring Ellison himself.  

We'll see where this goes. Blois Olson on his Thursday edition of Morning Take at least gave it a mention. Will it ultimately get so hot that the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press ultimately have to give it coverage? If so, that's when you'll know Ellison is in a sticky wicket. 

- Meanwhile, Ellison's replacement in Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District had an announcement regarding her own political future. 

Rep. Ilhan Omar will run for re-election to her House seat next fall, closing the door on a possible run for retiring Sen. Tina Smith’s U.S. Senate seat.

“At a time when our rights are under attack, it is more important than ever to fight back against the chaos, corruption, and callousness of the Trump Administration,” Omar, a Democrat, said in a statement.

“I am excited to announce I am running for reelection for Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District to keep standing up for our rights in the face of authoritarianism.”

In essence, she's embracing the role that her predecessor decried 8+ years - “All there is to do is to vote ‘no'.”

- Major League Baseball needs to be fixed. And if losing an entire season to a work stoppage results in a leveling of the playing field, then I will live with a year sans baseball. 

MLB owners as well as Commissioner Rob Manfred’s office have begun privately contemplating what a new league economic structure could look like as the league heads toward a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with players, according to people familiar with the matter. The league’s current CBA expires on Dec. 1, 2026.

MLB officials have discussed adding both a salary cap and a salary floor, said the people, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private. The Major League Baseball Players Association, however, has long been against a salary cap, and the group says its position hasn’t changed.

The result is a potential lockout in December of next year when the current CBA expires — one that appears increasingly likely given the opposing positions of both sides.

As I've said many times previously, the highest payroll doesn't necessarily mean championships (the L.A. Dodgers' World Series title last year was only their second in 35 years; the Yankees have one championship over the past 24). But teams like the Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays. Oakland Athletics and Pittsburgh Pirates may literally have to cease operations if the current system remains in place. 

And if you're a a fan of the Minnesota Twins (like I am), I'm afraid they're going to be in the desert these next two seasons. Since the current ownership group comprised of the Pohlad family is exploring a sale of the club, they're likely to shed payroll before the July 31 trade deadline in an effort to keep operational costs down. With the organization already saddled with nearly a half billion dollars of debt, it's going to be that much more challenging to find a willing buyer, especially with the uncertainty of there even being a baseball season in two years. 

This is a definite tipping point for the sport. 

-------------------------------------------------

Maniacal Martin

When Ken Martin was chair of the MN Democrat party (aka the Minnesota DFL), he had the luxury of going all in on far left progressivism. The party never lost a statewide election on his watch and rarely went without controlling at least one chamber of the Minnesota Legislature. 

Within the past couple of months, Martin was elected to head up the Democratic National Committee in hopes he could bring that same electoral magic to the national level. But given that far left policies were soundly rejected across the country this past November, I often wondered whether or not Kenny could dial back the fringe rhetoric in his new role.

Well........

Robert Kennedy Jr. has murdered another child in Texas. https://t.co/N1ZhZmPoKG

— Ken Martin (@kenmartin73) April 7, 2025

Wait'll Kenny finds out that one of his party's largest donors takes out literally 1,000 times more than that on a daily basis. 

It's also pretty ballsy of Martin to make such a wildly outlandish statement while utterly ignoring the fact his own side is essentially creating an assassination caucus. 

---------------------------------------

Box Score of the Week

Baltimore Orioles at Toronto Blue Jays - September 30, 1988.

--------------------------------

This was the second consecutive start in which Jays pitcher Dave Stieb lost a no-hitter in the ninth inning. 

---------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 4/6/2023

------------------------------------------

There is this old man who spent so much of his life sleeping......

Welcome to April!

It's Sunday, so that means another edition of my radio show The Closer. Today's 2-hour broadcast gets started at 1:00 PM Central Time. 

In the first hour I'll discuss national politics, particularly President Donald Trump's decision to slap tariffs on pretty much every import coming into America. The early returns indicate this is a calamitous decision. We'll look back over the past half century where leading economic voices sounded the alarm on such tariffs. 

The in the 2:00 hour I'll weigh in on the strange and hypocritical takes from Minnesota progs on Wisconsin's Supreme Court election from this past week. And finally, what was the purpose of this weekend's #HandsOff protests???

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

 

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just gonna leave this here.......

President Ronald Reagan called it nearly 40 years ago. 

My only hope at this point is this is some sort of effort by President Trump to engage other countries in revising trade agreements. 

Sometimes the best strategy in a negotiation is convincing the other side that you are crazy.

— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) April 3, 2025

Now that would legitimately be Trump playing 3D Chess. 

-------------------------------------------------

Goodness, these people are gullible

Despite the fact President Donald Trump likely believes a good number of the untrue things he says, I'm convinced there's another facet to his ramblings. Specifically, he'll say something that is so outlandish that not even he believes it but he knows it'll get a rise out of his top adversaries in the prog media. 

Hence the headline from an NBC News story this past Sunday: 

Trump won’t rule out seeking a third term in the White House, tells NBC News ‘there are methods’ for doing so.

All the media would have to do in this case is roll their collective eyes and cite the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 

No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.

Instead, several "think pieces" and prog podcasts have wasted countless words on how Trump is some authoritarian mad man hellbent on upending our Constitutional order. And it wouldn't shock me in the least if Trump himself were sitting back and laughing his orange arse off at all the leftist flailing that has ensued, as if that were his endgame all along. 

As Erick Erickson notes, this collective freak out just underscores the left's lack of faith in our institutional controls. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Erick Erickson (@ewerickson)

In reality, you'd think progs would desire to see Trump attempt to run for a third term. If he flatly refused to leave the White House on January 20, 2029, he would literally be frogged marched outta the joint, thus fulfilling a prog fantasy they've been fetishizing over since the days of George W. Bush.

------------------------------------

Box Score of the Week

New York Mets at Colorado Rockies - April 26, 1995. 

-------------------------------------

In their third season of existence, the Colorado Rockies christened their new stadium in grand style. In the first ever game at Coors Field, the Rockies won on a walkoff home run by Dante Bichette. 

-------------------------------------

The NARN Closer's playlist - 3/30/2025

---------------------------------------

You've been running and hiding much too long.....

Closing out March with another power-packed edition of my radio show The Closer. Today's 2-hour festivities get started at 1:00 PM Central Time.

In the first hour I'll weigh in on "Signal-gate" and how leftists' outrage is hypocritical and kinda hilarious. Speaking of leftists, their preferred political party is still an absolute mess. 

In the 2:00 hour, former Crystal city councilman and current political observer Jeff Kolb will join the broadcast to discuss all things Minnesota politics. 

So please call (651) 289-4488 if you'd like to weigh in on any of the topics we plan on addressing.

 

You can listen live in the Twin Cities at AM 1280 or, if you're near downtown Minneapolis/West Metro area, 107.5 FM on your radio dial. In and out of the Minneapolis-St Paul area you can listen to the program on the Internet by clicking this link, or check us out via iheart radio as well as Amazon Alexa (just say "Alexa, play The Patriot Minneapolis"). If you're unable to tune in live, please check out my podcast page for the latest show post.

And if you're so inclined, follow along on Twitter at #NARNShow or "Like" our Facebook page, where we also conduct a "Live Stream" of the broadcast.

Until then.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hanging by a thread

Republican candidates for U.S. House won 220 seats on Election Day 4-1/2 months ago. Given 218 is required for a majority, the GOP was working with a razor thin edge going into this session of Congress. But with the resignations of GOP Reps. Matt Gaetz (FL-01) and Michael Waltz (FL-06), both of whom were tapped by Donald Trump for positions in his second presidential administration, the GOP was down to 218 members. Further complicating the Republicans' standing was when Elise Stefanik (NY-21) was Trump's choice to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. However, her confirmation had been delayed so as to allow Republicans to stay right at 218 members.

Given that Gaetz (who was nominated for Attorney General but then withdrew due to being a sleazebag) and Waltz (now Trump's National Security Advisor) won their respective races by 30+ points in what have been traditionally safe GOP districts, conventional wisdom says Republicans should be back up to 220 after Tuesday's special elections in both Congressional Districts. But if we've learned anything about specials in the era of Trump, Democrats have been far superior at turning out their side. 

With all that in mind, I can't help but think that's why Stefanik will remain in Congress. 

The Trump administration is withdrawing its nomination of Representative Elise Stefanik (R., N.Y.) to serve as the next Ambassador to the United Nations to help protect the slim Republican majority in the House.

“With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat. The people love Elise and, with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day. There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations. Therefore, Elise will stay in Congress, rejoin the House Leadership Team, and continue to fight for our amazing American People,” President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.

This ensures the Republicans will keep a majority, regardless of what happens on Tuesday in the Florida contests. But if the unthinkable happens and the GOP drops both races, that puts Trump's agenda in grave danger given Thomas Massie (R-KY) isn't afraid to go rogue. And since the opposite party of POTUS typically gains seats in the House in the midterm elections, it's a safe bet Dems will regain a majority in 2026 despite the fact they're completely nuts right now. 

Long story, short - there's a nonzero chance that Trump's entire second term (from a legislative standpoint) could be a lame duck session. 

------------------------------------------------------