Recent content from Kevin Diaz
Jill Biden will campaign in Minnesota on Saturday, on heels of Trump visit
Among the other surrogates headed to the state this week: Eric Trump is scheduled to hold an event Thursday in Becker.
Trump and Biden both to campaign in Minnesota next Friday
The candidates will converge in separate campaign stops marking the start of early voting in a state that could be critical in the November election.
Few star turns for Minnesota Republicans at GOP national convention
Minnesota’s importance as a pivotal battleground in the November presidential election might not be readily noticed through the state GOP delegation taking part in the…
Amy Klobuchar, Melvin Carter cast Minnesota delegation votes at DNC
It was part of the virtual "Roll Call Across America," which made a 30-minute tour of all the states and territories.
Trump aides deny Walz claim about heading off Floyd memorial visit
The White House on Monday denied a claim by Gov. Tim Walz that he had "spent this weekend" dissuading Trump officials from a tour of…
Omar says she believes Tara Reade's sex assault claims against Biden
First-term U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, who won the DFL Party endorsement this weekend in her re-election bid, told the Sunday Times of London that she…
Minnesota House clears bill raising age to buy tobacco to 21
"Tobacco 21" legislation approved along with drug price transparency measure and one-time boost for families on welfare.
After COVID-19, what's left to fight over? COVID-19
State lawmakers can only look back wistfully at the priorities they brought to St. Paul in February.
Trump issues major disaster declaration for COVID-19 in Minnesota
President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration in Minnesota on Tuesday, providing federal assistance for state and local efforts to help those affected by…
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz requests federal COVID-19 disaster relief
Gov. Tim Walz formally asked the White House for a major disaster declaration Sunday to authorize emergency protective measures to combat COVID-19. The funding would…
Walz closes bars and restaurants to curb spread of coronavirus
The governor's order, made under "peacetime emergency" powers, also covers health clubs, theaters, museums, food courts, cafes and other public venues. The rules take effect at 5 p.m. today, ahead of St. Patrick's Day crowds.
Super Tuesday: What's at stake for the Democratic candidates
It is called Super Tuesday because more than a third of the delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination will be decided in one day. Here's a look at the candidates.
Wine, panini, shrimp cocktails: Inside a $1,000-a-ticket Klobuchar fundraiser
On her way to campaign in Nevada, she stopped in New York City on Wednesday to raise some much needed campaign cash.
Trump impeachment could sideline Klobuchar
The trial of President Donald Trump could come just as presidential candidates will look to make final pitches in Iowa.
Nov. 25, 2013: Farmers: 'Big Oil' behind new ethanol rule
An Obama administration plan to lower the target for biofuels in the nation's gas supply is causing a rift with leading Minnesota lawmakers over a vital state industry.
Iran sanctions put Minnesota's senators on the spot
Klobuchar and Franken remain undecided about more sanctions.
Eighth Dist. House race: Nolan duel with GOP 'young gun' heats up early
The battle between U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan and newcomer Stewart Mills III will test Minnesota's only congressional freshman in an unpredictable district during a potentially low-turnout, off-year election.
Did Al Franken really cast the '60th vote' for Obamacare?
Facing a new election year, the GOP says so. But in a body of 100 senators, Franken is hardly the only contender for the distinction
Minnesota librarians push to curb NSA snooping
Librarians and civil libertarians are on the same side as gun activists and Internet giants Facebook and Google to back legislation that would limit authority to spy on Americans.
99-year-old St. Paul vet speaks up in D.C. for fellow immigrants
Joseph Medina's journey to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall began nearly a century ago, when his family crossed the border illegally from Mexico with Medina, then 5.
Rep. Ellison takes lead role in giving new life to liberals
A new populism is dividing Democrats ahead of 2014 and that poses risks for Sen. Al Franken.
Congress' non-exemption from Obamacare
This is one where the rhetoric is so convoluted it's best to look at what they do, not what they say.
FBI raids home of former top Bachmann aide in Iowa
Former Iowa state Sen. Kent Sorenson allegedly received secret payments from the Bachmann and Paul presidential campaigns.
Sept. 17: Bachmann was hands-off in presidential campaign
Newly released congressional records and interviews with Bachmann and her top advisers reveal a candidate who appeared largely uninvolved in the day-to-day decisions of her political organization, such as who was hired and how they were paid.
Court cool to Minnesota rabbi booted from WorldPerks for complaining
The U.S. Supreme Court heard the case of St. Louis Park Rabbi S. Binyomin Ginsberg, who was stripped of his top-level Platinum Elite status in Northwest's WorldPerks program because, the airline said, he complained too much and schemed to get bumped from flights in return for compensation.
U.S. farm bill could shape Minnesota's shrinking prairie
Among the sticking points in the farm bill talks, long stalled on crop subsidies and food stamps, are provisions protecting grasslands that naturalists say are being depleted at a rate not seen since the Dust Bowl days.
GOP targets Franken over rollout of Obama's health care overhaul
The Minnesota Democrat, facing re-election to the Senate, ups his fundraising goal as Republicans mount a new line of attack.
First wave on MNsure flocks to public plans
Analysts say sign-ups will balance with private plans closer to deadlines.
Mankato history village in trouble with FEMA
Longtime Mankato attraction is on flood plain; feds say it can't stay.
At least 140,000 Minnesotans will lose current health policies
Industry officials say higher premiums and added benefits are likely in store for most of those who now buy high deductible/limited coverage plans on the individual market.
Sept. 19: Congress poised to close lock in Mpls.
The controversial move to close the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam is aimed at halting the spread of invasive carp. Industry groups say gains would be minimal.
Hotdish politics: In D.C., a 'moderate' outlook for avoiding more crises
WASHINGTON – If anything good comes out of the 16-day government shutdown, it might be in strengthening the hand of…
MN Republicans saw little choice on fiscal compromise
Rep. John Kline, along with Minnesota Republican Erik Paulsen, felt he had no choice but to take the deal that emerged Wednesday.
Effort to repeal tax on medical devices stalls
The push had bipartisan support but was not part of a potential deal in the Senate.
Former U.S. Sen. Rod Grams dies of colon cancer at age 65
Rod Grams, a "stoic farm kid" who grew up to be a Twin Cities TV anchor, congressman and U.S. senator, died at his rural Minnesota home after a long battle with colon cancer.
Ellison among protesters arrested during immigration rally in D.C.
The Minnesota Congressman was among eight lawmakers detained during demonstration to advance immigration-reform legislation.
Minn. farmers get lost in budget standoff
When the clock struck midnight on Tuesday, ushering in a massive federal government shutdown, the calendar also flipped back to 1949 for Minnesota farmers. That also could mean price hikes for shoppers.
Push to kill medical device tax is seen as way out
GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen calls repeal effort a potential "linchpin" building common ground for a deal.
Government shutdown spreading pain as it takes hold in Minnesota
Parks, offices and services quickly shut down. Aid programs and tribes prepared to lose funding.
Paulsen willing to 'look at anything' to end shutdown
Add Minnesota Republican Erik Paulsen to the GOP House members ready to cut a deal with Democrats, and possibly water down or drop their demand to block Obamacare to keep the government open.
Complicated shutdown votes for key Minnesotans
WASHINGTON – A marathon day of brinkmanship lurching toward a government shutdown presented conflicts for several key Minnesotans in Congress, forcing them to compromise…
Political Hotdish: Congress goes on World Poker Tour
The poker analogy has infused the spirit of the shutdown drama in Congress, especially by Sen. Ted. Cruz, above. It has also been taken to heart by U.S. Reps. John Kline and Erik Paulsen of Minnesota.
Shutdown threat over health care shadows Minn., its 2014 elections
Frenzy over budget standoff sets stage for potentially competitive congressional races in Minnesota in 2014.
Sept. 11: House panel extends Bachmann investigation
While deciding to investigate Bachmann further, the bipartisan Ethics Committee left the four-term congresswoman in ethical limbo.
Sept. 6: Justice Dept. subpoenas Bachmann records
Justice Department subpoenas records from the National Fiscal Conservative PAC.
Aug. 28: Whistleblower's insider tale from 'Bachmannistan' revives feud
Ex-aide's "Bachmannistan" book details allegations under investigation.
Minnesotans clash on Syria in White House and Congress
Chief of Staff Denis McDonough presses U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan.
Minnesotans in Congress wary about possible Syria strike
War weariness could be felt on both ends of the Minnesota congressional delegation Tuesday, even as momentum was building in Congress for military action…
Congressional town hall meetings fade into the raucous past
Citizen forums in the state are less frequent amid partisan tensions.
Klobuchar, Franken react to Obama's statement
Among the senators on the White House conference call Saturday was Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar, who praised the president's decision to consult with Congress before…
July 27: House panel extends Bachmann investigation
U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann’s problems with the House ethics committee are not going away yet. On Friday, the chair and ranking member of the committee,…
Minnesota's China ties grow deeper
Ning Shao, who opened Minnesota's Shanghai office last year after Gov. Mark Dayton's trade mission, estimates that at least 100 substantial Minnesota firms are jockeying for business in the world's second-largest economy.
Fifty years later, Minnesotans recommit to King's dream
They are in Washington for the 50th anniversary of King's historic speech.
Bachmann on the sidelines of latest campaign allegations
Bachmann's former presidential campaign chairman in the state, Kent Sorenson, it now appears, was available to the highest bidder
Minnesota think tank won't say if it gave funds
Minn. think tank was asked to reveal Stand Your Ground support.
Former WCCO anchor Shelby will not run for Congress
Don Shelby had considered competing against Republican U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen.
Ex-WCCO anchor Don Shelby looks at challenging Rep. Paulsen
Shelby's interest burst into the open amid remarks by U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., who mentioned it at a Washington fundraiser.
Minnesota's new U.S. attorney is in the wings
Sens. Klobuchar and Franken recommend Andrew Luger for job amid battle over current U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones' nomination to lead ATF.
Bachmann campaign allegations sent to House Ethics panel
A congressional inquiry of U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann has been referred to the House Ethics Committee, raising the stakes in her efforts to fend off questions about her 2012 presidential campaign's finances.
Bachmann aide charged in Capitol theft
WASHINGTON – A top aide to U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann has been charged with stealing following an investigation into a rash of thefts…
Immigration reform a test for suburban Republicans in Minnesota
Democratic strategists — who have been polling aggressively and running Spanish-language ads against Kline and Paulsen — put the two in the "persuadable" camp.
June 28: Bachmann settles lawsuit over Iowa e-mail list
The case, which remains under investigation by Des Moines police, led to broader allegations of financial and ethical impropriety that now are being investigated by the FBI, the Office of Congressional Ethics and the FEC.
B. Todd Jones' nomination to head ATF clears key Senate hurdle
Nomination of Minnesota U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee but faces a potential GOP filibuster.
St. Paul immigrant's back after 10 years at the back of the line
Miguel Vazquez' decadelong exile embodies the flip side to a bipartisan plan approved by the U.S. Senate that would allow unauthorized immigrants like Vazquez.
Back from Morocco, Sam and Sylvia Kaplan resume political life
Home from Morocco, DFL fundraisers Sam and Sylvia Kaplan are already re-entering the political fray.
Republicans dig in against ATF nominee B.Todd Jones
Senator seeks documents about "conflicts" with law enforcement.
June 10: Jones is an explosive choice to lead ATF
The nomination is mired in politics between Obama, GOP.
June 11: Republicans grill B. Todd Jones over ATF post
Minnesotan questioned about management, gun record.
Walking with ghosts at Gettysburg
In Gettysburg, the ghastly drama of battle 150 years ago still pervades its open and now peaceful fields.
May 2: Iowa panel seeks investigation of ex-Bachmann aide
Probe will look into claims against Iowa state senator
May 19: Bachmann allegations attract FBI attention
The FBI has contacted two former staffers of U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann's presidential campaign, adding to the swirl of federal and state investigations looking into alleged financial improprieties by top officials in the campaign.
A new name -- Michael Snow -- surfaces at top of political donors from Minnesota
Michael Snow edged out Rockefeller heiress Alida Messinger for the No. 1 spot.
GOP-led House passes new limits on late-term abortion
Two Minnesota Republicans were among the bill's 184 co-sponsors: Reps. John Kline and Michele Bachmann. So was rural Democrat and abortion rights foe Collin Peterson.
Minnesota Poll finds acceptance of NSA data collection program
In fight against terror, most Minnesotans support NSA program.
Obituary: Longtime Congress aide Rick Jauert
Those who remember Rick Jauert know that he could never be silent. In his final days in a nursing home in his hometown of…
