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Update from Wadena, MN (9/08/25)

  • knyreen
  • Sep 8
  • 3 min read

writing our own narrative


group of people gathered on a patio
Grant County DFL Steak Fry in Ashby, MN

by Erik Osberg on 9/8/25


The American Legion in Ashby, MN was packed Sunday night for the Annual Grant County DFL Steak Fry Fundraiser. I asked Chair Jay McNamar what "success" would look like, his answer was 100 people. Congrats on a successful evening everyone, I counted over 100 in attendance at the American Legion. Maybe even 125ish. Jay did a great job MC'ing the event and there was a fantastic lineup of speakers. State Rep. John Hout was there, as was Minnesota State Auditor Candidate Ben Schierer. Current radio personality & former North Dakota State Senator Joel Heitkamp spoke as well. He talked about not letting others control the narrative of who we are as Democrats here in western Minnesota. I couldn't agree more. We have said from day 1 that one of our goals is to write our own narrative.


I got to see a lot of people we've met along the way for a 2nd, 3rd, 4th & dare I say 5th time. The reports of the DFL's demise have been greatly exaggerated. Lots of fine folks are putting in the work to create different outcomes in 2026. Also helping neighbors get through the challenges of today.  Huge shoutout to the people who did the prep-work, planning, setup, cooking, cleaning & more. A very well run event.  Thanks again for the invite & the opportunity to meet new people.


Pedestrian bridge in Glencoe, MN.
Pedestrian bridge in Glencoe, MN.

I met a woman named Diane at the SD15 Corn Feed down in Redwood Falls, MN back in early August. She came up to me after my speech and wanted to ask me a few questions & share her story. We stepped aside from the picnic area so we could chat. She shared that she used to vote Republican. She shared grave concern for Ukraine. She told me she had been hanging signs on a pedestrian bridge in Glencoe, MN on Saturday mornings. I asked if she could use a hug, she said yes. I gave her my card and some encouragement. Diane later reached out to me and asked if she could hang a banner with my name on it on the bridge. I said I'd be honored. She sent me this pic over the weekend. Keep fighting the good fight Diane!  To all the others that are taking action... Keep up the good work! We might not be able to stop bad things from happening right now, but we can put ourselves in a position to flip a district when midterm elections roll around.


Splitting wood
Splitting wood

Call me crazy, but I enjoy splitting wood the "old fashioned" way. Granted, I don't do it all day every day, but I've split my fair share. 


Abraham Lincoln talked about the importance of sharpening one's axe. Same can apply to a splittin' maul or even a political campaign. Each time we meet with people face-to-face and let them ask questions, we are improving our odds. We are honing our skills, exercising our brains & our braun. I've said on many occasions that this is a process orientated campaign. Yes, the result is important, however we believe our discipline, not our desire, determines our outcome. Taking action creates change.


Our schedule picks up starting this weekend. We’ve got another Community Fish Fry coming up on Saturday, Sept. 13th in Barnesville, MN. If all goes as planned, we will have visited all 38 counties in Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District with a meet-n-greet in Ada, MN.


UPCOMING SCHEDULE

Here is a look at more upcoming events. 


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

Thanks to our generous donors, we are closing in on $92,000 raised. 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 would like to host a private party fundraiser, click here: https://secure.ngpvan.com/SKQtMANaY0W8nGqHcpukXA2







 
 
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