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Judy Keen

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Recent content from Judy Keen
Muskegon County Commissioner Rillastine Wilkins in front of her Muskegon Heights home. Someone threw a brick through her front window when she moved i

Women voters ­— particularly in Midwest — to be pivotal in 2020

In Michigan last year, Muskegon County voters helped elect a female governor, secretary of state, attorney general and U.S. senator. The results put women there on the leading edge of a shift that is reshaping politics across the Midwest and nationally.
Only about 5% of Minnesotans in the poll said they were undecided about whether President Donald Trump should be impeached.

Minnesota voters evenly split on Trump impeachment

Minnesota voters are evenly split on whether President Donald Trump should be impeached and removed from office, but clear majorities believe that he lies and abuses his power, a new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll found.
"I'm angry about it," former Sen. Al Franken said of the end of his Senate career. "I just don't feel that it actually does me any good, so I try not

After fall from grace, former Sen. Al Franken rebuilds his life

Franken is also wrestling with fallout from his mistakes, redefining his goals and trying to "do good stuff" as he cautiously returns to public life after his high-profile downfall.
Mary Waibel cuddled granddaughter Elliott, 1, as son Jonathan Rewitzer and husband Tim, left, chatted on their farm in Courtland, Minn. Tim says trade

Republicans hope to reclaim Minnesota counties on the fence

Nicollet County and others that went for Trump in 2016 are on the cusp between red and blue.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speaks during the Power of our Pride Town Hall Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Los Angeles.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar stakes out LGBT stances

She was one of nine Democratic candidates in 2020 focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights at a CNN town hall Thursday.
U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, shown Tuesday at a town-hall meeting in south Minneapolis.

Trump again criticizes U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar

Calls her "a fraud" and a "disgrace."
President Donald Trump greeted cheering crowds at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Inside the president's message: A mix of policy priorities, swipes at political foes and vows of 2020 victory

Trump's spirited appearance in Minneapolis was his 12th campaign rally this year and his first since the House impeachment inquiry began.

Trump blasts Minneapolis mayor

"You've got a rotten mayor. You've got to change your mayor," the president said at Target Center.
President Trump addressed his supporters.

President Trump predicts Minnesota win in 2020

Pledges fight with 'heart and soul.'
President Donald Trump arrived at Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station on his way to speak at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

President Trump blasts impeachment inquiry

Criticizes Democrats seeking to impeach him and news media.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speaks to supporters inside a coffee shop during a campaign event Monday, Sept. 30, 201

Sen. Amy Klobuchar raised $4.8 million in third quarter

But top-tier rivals still reported higher totals.
Sen. Al Franken speaks to friends and supporters on December 28, 2017, in Minneapolis, his first public appearance in Minnesota since announcing he wa

New groping allegation against former Sen. Al Franken emerges

"I'm not that guy," the former senator, whose new radio show debuted on Saturday, told Conan O'Brien last week.
At the Colin Powell Center, United States Representative Ilhan Omar holds a town hall in South Minneapolis on ICE and the administration's immigration

Complaint alleges campaign finance violation by Rep. Omar

A lawyer for the Minnesota Democrat called any charges that Omar "acted to skirt the law in any way is absolutely false" after divorce filing raised issues about consultant's travel.
Conservative activist Laura Loomer, who was part of a group that disrupted a 2016 campaign event for Ilhan Omar at Holy Land restaurant in Minneapolis

Conservative activist files $2M lawsuit over confrontation at Omar campaign event

Candidate sues Rep. Tlaib over confrontation at Omar event in Mpls.
Former U.S. Rep. Jason Lewis, a Republican, announced at the Minnesota State Fair that he will challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Tina Smith in the 2020 e

What you need to know about former U.S. Rep. Jason Lewis

The ex-GOP congressman and conservative radio host is challenging U.S. Sen Tina Smith in 2020.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen Amy Klobuchar spoke to the crowd gathered outside her Amy for America booth at the Minnesota State Fair on openi

Klobuchar brings presidential campaign to the Minnesota State Fair

Down in the polls, Klobuchar targets President Donald Trump over Democratic rivals.
Former U.S. Rep. Jason Lewis, a Republican, announced at the Minnesota State Fair that he will challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Tina Smith in the 2020 e

Jason Lewis to challenge Tina Smith for U.S. Senate seat

Lewis said he won't distance himself from President Donald Trump's positions on the economy, immigrants and other issues.

Edina focus group part of series with swing voters in key states

Health care and immigration were mentioned most often when the Minnesotans named the top issues on their minds heading into the 2020 presidential election.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks at the Iowa State Fair, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Joh

Sen. Bernie Sanders to campaign in Minnesota this month

His visit, Sen. Warren's stop signal a new phase.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a Democratic presidential hopeful, signs her autograph for young fairgoers at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa

2020 hopeful Sen. Elizabeth Warren to campaign in St. Paul next week

Candidate plans town hall at Macalester on Monday.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Michele Bachmann signed shovels at a ground breaking ceremony for the new St. Croix River Bridge on Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Environmental activists fault some of Sen. Amy Klobuchar's moves

Critics cite concerns over copper-nickel mining, gray wolves and the St. Croix bridge battle.
Former Vice President Joe Biden during the second night of Democratic presidential debates, hosted by CNN at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, July 31, 2019

Key moments from Wednesday's Democratic presidential debate

His front-runner status made him the target for everyone else Wednesday.
Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren participated Tuesday in the first of two Democratic presidential primary debates hosted by CNN at the Fox Th

Key moments from Tuesday's Democratic presidential debate

The Democratic Party's direction and the viability of 10 of its presidential candidates were on the line in last night's debate in Detroit.
US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar holds a Medicare for All town hall with Rep. Pramila Jayapal and a number of other state lawmakers.

Trump-Omar sparring influences the fight for Minnesota in 2020

Activists at a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., on May 16, 2019. Warren joins Sen. Bernie Sanders, Joe Bide

With oldest, youngest candidates in 2020 race, will age matter?

Voters differ on whether some candidates are too old — or too young.
Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speaks at the National Press Club, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jac

Sen. Amy Klobuchar's presidential bid is 'at a crossroads'

Fundraising, polls put her in campaign's second tier, but she might still have time.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar spoke during a presidential candidate forum sponsored by AARP and the Des Moines Register, Monday

Klobuchar raises nearly $3.9M, keeping her competitive

The Minnesota Democrat still has to hit the 130,000 unique donors needed to make the September debate.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speaks during the National Education Association Strong Public Schools Presidential For

Sen. Amy Klobuchar proposes new partnerships to aid education

Democratic presidential candidates woo education union.
Candidates raised their hand when asked if their healthcare plan would cover undocumented immigrants during the Democratic presidential debate in Miam

First impressions of the Democratic presidential candidates

Now that the first Democratic debates of the 2020 presidential campaign are in the books, here's a look back at how each hopeful fared.

What the candidates said during Thursday's debate

On the second night of debates in Miami, 10 more candidates sought to set themselves apart from the crowded field.

Democratic debate: What the candidates said

Democratic presidential candidates tried Wednesday to elbow their way into the spotlight in a debate that kicked off the 2020 primary season.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar addresses the South Carolina Democratic Party's convention on Saturday, June 22, 2019, in Columbia, S.C.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar looks for breakout moment at high-stakes primary debate

Klobuchar could use a boost in Iowa, which has the first say on the 2020 race at its Feb. 3 caucuses
Bill Miller gave a thumbs-up to a fellow firefighter about the taste of the smelt at a fundraiser for the Jump River Volunteer Fire Department. Wiscon

Trump must hold rural Wis. voters he won on economic promises

Trump's shot at a second term could come down to parts of rural Wisconsin, where the economy is always on people's minds and threatened tariffs on Mexico could cause new woes.
This apartment complex, Nuvelo at Parkside apartments, is one of the multi unit buildings under construction in the heart of Apple Valley.

Dakota County, growing U.S. burbs could flex power in 2020

Dakota County voters want focus on ideas, not partisan extremes.
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler had a discussion on the House Floor with Minority Leader Kurt Daudt as debate slogged forward on the Omnibus enviro

DFL, GOP angle for 2020 election edge after Legislature's session

Candidate recruitment and targeting of Minnesota districts has begun.
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi participated in a Roundtable at the Wellstone Center in St. Paul, exploring ways to strength

'I'm done with that': Pelosi tries to tone down Trump feud while in Twin Cities

Speaker talked health care, headlined DFL fundraiser.
Former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke spoke at town hall meeting at Edison High School Wednesday May 8, 2019 in Minneapolis, MN.

Beto O'Rourke urges Minneapolis crowd to unite against Trump

Health care, climate were topics at Edison High.
Nelsie Yang, who is running for St. Paul City Council's Ward 6 district, took Izell Scales' number while connecting with people and door knocking in N

New batch of candidates energized by barriers broken in 2018

Voters who set turnout records last year elected people who broke age, race, gender and sexual-orientation barriers across the U.S. The results are inspiring a new crop of Minnesota hopefuls.
FILE -- Former Vice President Joe Biden talks to reporters in Washington, April 5, 2019. If Biden wins the presidency in 2020, it will be in part beca

2020 presidential race has 22 hats in the ring. So far.

In the 282 days between now and the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses, debates, gaffes and fundraising woes will whittle the field and even more people could enter the race.

States weigh bills to require presidential candidates to release taxes

Legislators in 18 states, including Minnesota, have introduced bills that would require presidential candidates and running mates to make their taxes public.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a candi­date for the Democratic presidenti­al nomin­ation, takes a photo with a fan after speaking at a rally in Pitts

Bernie Sanders campaign challenges Klobuchar in her home state

Klobuchar's presidential candidacy hasn't deterred the Vermont senator and several other Democratic challengers from investing resources in Minnesota.
Campaign officials estimated in February that Sen. Amy Klobuchar would need about $25 million to get through Iowa's Feb. 3 caucuses and into New Hamps

Sen. Klobuchar hauls in $5.2 million for White House bid

Donation totals can be an early measure of support. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders tops the list with $18.2 million.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

Walz kicks off year-long effort to ensure full 2020 census count

Federal funding, seats in Congress and Electoral College clout are at stake.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) gets ready to speak at a town hall in Rye, N.H., March 23, 2019. At events across early primary states, voters asked abou

What voters across the U.S. are learning about Sen. Amy Klobuchar

Voters in other states are forming early impressions.
July 4, 1991 Sen. Paul Wellstone recovering from early political problems appearing at July 4 celebrations at Godfrey House and Richfield parade. Vari

Late Sen. Paul Wellstone is a force in 2020 presidential race

Several candidates who are in the White House race or are weighing a bid call the late Minnesota Democrat an inspiration.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has seen some criticism of her tough record as a Hennepin County prosecutor. Above: Klobuchar spoke to voters at a campaign st

Klobuchar's first big 2020 test could come in South Carolina

"She has a challenge to introduce herself to voters in the South," said state Sen. Marlon Kimpson, a Charleston Democrat, before Klobuchar's arrival for her first campaign stop in the state on Saturday.
In this Nov. 1, 2016, photo, a voter is reflected in the glass frame of a poster while leaving a polling site in Atlanta, during early voting ahead of

Who's in, who's out among possible 2020 Democratic candidates?

These men and women won't all decide to run, and the eventual nominee could be a surprise. But here's a look at who's capturing the buzz right now.
Amy Klobuchar arrives in Mason City, Iowa. Her husband John on the left.

Iowans have first say in 2020, and mood on politics is testy

White House hopefuls are already swarming the state to court them. Floyd County, which voted for Donald Trump after backing a string of Democrats, is an up-for-grabs fulcrum.

For 2020 presidential candidates, Midwest is the proving ground

White House hopefuls are already swarming the state to court them. Floyd County, which voted for Donald Trump after backing a string of Democrats, is an up-for-grabs fulcrum.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar waved to supporters on Feb. 10 along with her husband John Bessler and daughter Abigail Klobuchar Bessler after announcing she is r

Klobuchar's presidential bid faces fundraising challenge

Small-dollar donors could be crucial in a crowded 2020 presidential field.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar made her announcement to run for president Sunday from a snowy Boom Island Park in Minneapolis.

Klobuchar may find progressives to be holding out on her candidacy

Organizers in key voting bloc view Klobuchar as too centrist.
Lawmakers attend Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address, in the House Chamber of the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 5, 2019.

Minnesotans in Congress find reason for optimism in Trump speech

But there was wariness on both sides of the aisle about whether comity can exist in a divided Congress that represents a divided nation.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., questions President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh as he testifies before the Senate Judiciary Com

Iowa Democrats weigh Sen. Amy Klobuchar's presidential ambitions

Some suggest she's better suited for vice president.
In 2016, Equal Rights Amendment supporters rallied outside the Minnesota Senate chambers on the first day of the legislative session.

Equal Rights Amendment on the move in Minnesota, nation

A hearing is set Thursday for two Minnesota measures on the amendment, a vestige of 1970s activism but one with building momentum.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said Friday, "I know I can push people too hard."

Sen. Amy Klobuchar drops more hints about 2020, disavows fake campaign logo

A tweet included an image of mountains on a pyramid-shaped logo with a blue background and a swath of green in the foreground.
Congressman Erik Paulsen hugged his wife Kelly Paulsen after giving his concession speech at the Republican Party of Minnesota headquarters at the Dou

Only 661 days until the 2020 election — and Minn. activists are busy

Activists in both parties are doing postmortems on 2018, preparing for municipal and school board elections this year and gearing up for 2020 races.
About 125 people attended a Cannabis Awareness Day demonstration in St. Paul Friday.

New group hopes to legalize recreational marijuana in Minnesota

Minnesotans for Responsible Marijuana Regulation hopes to build a statewide coalition.
A view of the U.S. Capitol Building on July 25, 2017, in Washington, D.C. (Evan Golub/Zuma Press/TNS) ORG XMIT: 1243545

New population estimates show Minnesota could keep 8th House seat

The state's eighth seat in Congress could be saved if new growth trends continue.
Vang Her writes her name on the census survey while also pledging to fill out the census in two years. ] ALEX KORMANN • alex.kormann@startribun

Minnesota on the edge — again — of losing seat in Congress after 2020 census

The result of the decennial census will determine whether the Minnesota loses one of its eight U.S. House seats, which would dilute its clout on Capitol Hill and would reduce electoral votes in presidential elections.
Judy Keen interviewed President George H.W. Bush on Air Force One in 1992, days before his re-election loss to Bill Clinton. Keen, then a USA Today re

George H.W. Bush up close: A man of gentility, humor and hope

For someone who covered Bush and got to know him, his death at 94 brought back a flood of memories.
FILE - In this May 10, 2017, file photo, Minnesota Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt fields a question from reporters outside the House chamber in S

Minnesota House Republican leaders prepare for minority role

Rep. Anne Neu of North Branch is the new deputy Republican leader.
President Donald Trump greeted GOP candidate for Congress in the first district, Jim Hagedorn, on stage Thursday night at Mayo Civic Center in Rochest

Looking ahead to 2020, will Minn. be a tossup state?

Despite DFL sweep, parties expecting another pitched battle in Minnesota.
Sen. Tina Smith gave her acceptance speech Tuesday night at the DFL headquarters election party in St. Paul.

Sen. Tina Smith asks for donations to help Democrat in Florida recount

U.S. Rep. Jason Lewis, R-Minn., gave his concession speech at the state GOP headquarters at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Nov. 6, 2018, in Bloomin

Rep. Jason Lewis blames the late Sen. John McCain for GOP election losses

The daughter of the senator, who died Aug. 25, called comments "abhorrent."
Democrats Dean Phillips and Angie Craig defeated GOP incumbent U.S. Reps. Erik Paulsen and Jason Lewis, respectively.

Minn. suburbs, like many in U.S., swing to Dems in election

The insurgency that swept Democrats into power in the U.S. House was led by suburban voters, both in the Twin Cities area and across the country.
Amy Klobuchar easily wins third Senate term; Smith defeats Housley

Amy Klobuchar easily wins third Senate term; Smith defeats Housley

But Republican victories in other states mean they'll still be in the chamber's minority.
Emily Roskey, 28, in costume as Rosie the Riveter, posed for a photo at a Planned Parenthood event where volunteers worked phone banks.

Newly energized young voters could help Democrats at polls

Energized and dissatisfied with Trump by a wide margin, they could boost Democrats.
FILE - This combination of June 1, 2018, file photos shows candidates in the special election for Minnesota U.S. Senate in November from left, Democra

In Senate debate, Smith, Housley split over health care, immigration

Both agreed that Polymet's copper and nickel mine would help the economy of northern Minnesota.
Mounted Border Patrol agents ride along a newly fortified border wall structure Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, in Calexico, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

GOP ads raise immigration concerns in MN Congress races

In southern Minnesota's First District, Dan Feehan is the target of new ads.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon watched as election judges performed a public test of St. Louis Park's voting machines Tuesday.

Minnesota works to secure elections after 2016 Russian hacking attempt

Secretary of State Steve Simon says he's confident in ability to "detect and repel" threats.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon toured the Ramsey County elections office with elections manager Joe Mansky. This is the last day of early vo

Election rumors and misconceptions

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (top left) is running against GOP state Rep. Jim Newberger, and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (bottom left) is running against GOP stat

Senate races: Klobuchar out front; Housley gains on Smith

The Democrats still lead the two U.S. Senate races, but GOP challenger Karin Housley has closed the gap slightly on Tina Smith.
"I've always found that if you listen to people you can find common ground," Sen. Tina Smith tells volunteers.

Plain talk has always been key to Tina Smith's success

Sen. Tina Smith says Senate work "is intensive and rewarding and frustrating sometimes because you want it to go faster." The contest between Smith and Karin Housley reflects stark political divisions and the high-stakes fight for control of the Senate.
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith and state Sen. Karin Housley will square off in Minnesota's first all-female U.S. Senate contest

Tina Smith, Karin Housley U.S. Senate race heats up

Candidates tangled over child care and debates.
Democrat Dan Feehan, left, and Republican Jim Hagedorn are vying for Minnesota's First Congressional District seat.

Southern Minnesota race, crucial to control of Congress, heats up

Contest between Dan Feehan and Jim Hagedorn is considered a toss-up.