Update from Wadena, MN (6/9/25)

backyards to front porches

Lyon County DFL good old fashioned potluck near Marshall, MN

by Erik Osberg on 6/9/25

One of our pledges is to meet you where you are at. Both figuratively & literally. We feel the most productive when we are connecting with voters in Minnesota’s 7th Congrssional District. We were in Marshall, MN last week visiting with Lyon County DFLers at a good old fashioned potluck. Al & Linda Kruse were kind enough to let us visit in their backyard. Once again there were some familiar faces. We’ve only been campaigning for less than 3 months and we are starting to see people for a 2nd, dare I say 3rd time. Of course we are always excited to make new friends. 

This stop marked our 20th county visited since launching our campaign on March 11th. Only 18 more to go before we have visited all 38 in MN-07.  I was allowed to address the crowd. I shared a little bit about myself, touched on our 3 main issues (rural health care, public education and agriculture) and shared the vision for our campaign. I then took questions. I invited others up to speak with the microphone to share what was on their hearts and minds. The food was great and so was the company. Huge thanks to all those who came out.   

Over the weekend, we visited Granite Falls, MN for our first house party fundraiser. Roughly 40 people came out to visit. I like to think i shook each & every hand that was there. I have family ties to Granite. As a child, we would spend Easter there with my aunt, uncle, cousins and other family. When I arrived yesterday afternoon, my aunt showed me these signs she made. She is such a talented lady. There were lots of talented ladies & gentleman on hand. 

I always worry I am talking too long when I speak to a group. But when the audience seems engaged & is asking questions, I want to make sure their voices are heard. I explained why this is a process driven campaign. I shared our game plan to connect the dots in western Minnesota, create community and solidarity. 

My pledge to those in attendance was to not be outworked, to not recruit from a negative place and to not use fear to motivate. 

I know there are reasons for grave concern. There are reasons to fret & worry. I know there is suffering happening as we speak.

I also know there are reasons for hope. There are reasons to be proud of who we are while remaining humble. Every time I've visited a town, I am reminded of those reasons. There are so many kind, passionate, hard working people, I am convinced that brighter days lay ahead. It ain't gonna be easy. And it will feel like work. But if we do it together, it will be worth it. In short, we can do better.

Huge thanks to Mary & Phil for opening up their home. Huge thanks to Kathy & my cousin Laura for helping organize this event & huge thanks to everyone who came out to share what was on their hearts & minds. If you are interested in hosting a "home party" fundraising event, click here: https://secure.ngpvan.com/SKQtMANaY0W8nGqHcpukXA2

Thank you for all the support & keep up the good work! 

Our campaign relies on donations from folks like you. If you have already donated, THANK YOU! If you have set up a recurring donation, even better. If you haven't donated, please share our announcement video.

Help fuel our campaign