In results that could only be called contrary of history, a just-completed KSTP SurveyUSA poll of Minnesota’s 3rd District showed Democrat Dean Phillips leading Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen by 49 to 44 percent.
These figures were nothing short of undecided, as the 3rd District has firmly remained in Republican hands since 1960. In addition, moderate-to-conservative Paulsen won his fifth term in 2016 by a whopping 57 to 43 percent.
As the district that more often than not is written off by Democrats is now very much in play, national publications are now beginning to look hard at Minn-3.
KSTP/SurveyUSA found that 41 percent of 3rd District voters approve of the president’s performance and 43 percent disapprove.
"President [Donald] Trump, who notices when someone is trying to claim distance from him, didn't mention Paulsen onstage or in his tweets when he came in for a rally in Minnesota last week,” veteran Minnesota conservative activist John Augustine told Newsmax.
“Just because Paulsen claims distance from Trump doesn't mean his opponent will accept that claim. To the contrary, pro-Phillips messages are noting what percent of the time Paulsen supports Trump in his voting record. "
Aside from his role in securing House passage of the Trump tax cut, Paulsen stresses his centrist stands in much the same manner as his still-loved predecessor, former Rep. Jim Ramstad. He is a strong believer in climate change, for example, and warns of its threats to the wilderness area.
John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.
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