Not helpful

Upon poring over a recent KSTP-TV/Survey USA poll showing Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) ahead of his GOP opponent Scott Jensen by 18 points, former MNGOP deputy chair (and now journalist) Michael Brodkorb tweeted the following: 

Experienced Republicans - like myself - knew that @drscottjensen and @BirkMatt would be a disaster in the General Election against @Tim_Walz. Responsible criticism of Jensen’s campaign was met with hostility and accusations of bias. The critics have been right all along. #mngov

— Michael Brodkorb (@mbrodkorb) September 6, 2022

Brodkorb may ultimately be proven correct, but he is the type to let personal biases cloud his insights. Given his reverence for former Gov. Tim Pawlenty (the last Republican to win a statewide race in MN), an ideologue like Jensen is wholly unappealing in Michael's mind. 

All that said, Jensen's running mate Matt Birk pretty much validated Brodkorb's assertion that their campaign does not take criticism well. 

Michael- never heard of you so I looked you up.

Google says your expertise is in adulterous affairs and driving while drunk- nothing about politics.

Might want to sit this one out bud. https://t.co/8BNoZKmjZH

— Matt Birk (@BirkMatt) September 7, 2022

I've often said that Lt. Gov. candidates have little impact on winning a gubernatorial race but they sure as heck can have a significant hand in losing (see: Dutcher, Judi). For Birk to be outright nasty towards a member of the media by invoking his past indiscretions is neither helpful nor productive. Besides, this shows a woeful lack of grace, of which cancel culture progressives have the market cornered. Conservatives should not reduce themselves to that type of sleazy behavior. 

In the end, it isn't Brodkorb who should "sit this one out," as Birk suggests. No, outgoing MN House Majority Leader Tinky Winky Ryan Winkler is the one who oughta have a seat over this flap. 

Haven’t been on Twitter for a month but this inspired me to get back on.

Looks like I am the only Minnesotan from the Harvard class of ‘98 knows how to lose an election with dignity. https://t.co/M9rcyQ83hE

— Ryan Winkler (@_RyanWinkler) September 7, 2022

While Winkler is referring to his losing last month's primary election for Hennepin County Attorney, his using the word dignity to describe himself in any context is knee-slapper. 

Anyhow, get it together, Jensen campaign. A golden opportunity it being whittled away. 

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