This story was originally published by MinnPost, an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces thoughtful, in-depth journalism about civic and cultural affairs impacting Minnesota.
CHICAGO — There were plenty of signs this week that Minnesota’s unexpected surge into the spotlight – thanks largely to Tim Walz’s pick as Kamala Harris’ running mate — caught DFLers and their supporters by surprise.
Blue cloth seat covers bearing an outline of the state, each personalized with a delegate’s name, were distributed so everyone knew where they had to sit each night. But they did not fit very well because they were made for different-sized seats in the United Center that had been originally designated for the delegation. After Walz was elevated, the delegation was moved to much better seating on the floor of the arena and near the stage — with larger seats.
Minnesota mania also reigned as far as media interest in the delegation. Crowds of journalists and photographers surrounded the Minnesotans, especially during Walz’s acceptance speech Wednesday night, and a plan to rotate these members of the media was implemented. Nonetheless, there were plenty of sharp elbows, maybe some of them mine.
And there was some discussion among delegates that maybe Minnesota should have held more events. Tickets to the few that had been scheduled were the hottest in town and impossible to get. OK, yes, I crashed a reception.
By Thursday, however, the long days that started with 7:30 a.m. breakfasts — followed by caucus meetings and other events and ending at the convention center where dozens of speeches stretched late into the night — had taken their toll. Many delegates decided they were too tired for any more partying.
hicago did its part to help Democrats try to boost their chances in November’s elections. The weather was mild, the citizens (at least the ones I met) kind, and the city had enough capacity to handle the influx of the thousands that descended on the metropolis, which nevertheless snarled traffic and raised the threat of disruptive demonstrations.
Chicago police, and fellow officers from other states like Wisconsin and Michigan, kept things largely in check — mainly through a huge presence in the streets and convention venues. But there was one weird incident in the Fairmont hotel that hosts the Minnesota delegation, as well as those from South Dakota, Missouri, Ohio and Indiana.
The FBI was investigating if saboteurs placed bugs in a breakfast buffet in the hotel on Tuesday.
“Multiple unknown female offenders are alleged to have entered a building … and began placing unknown objects onto tables containing food,” the convention’s information center said in a statement. “The offenders are believed to have then left the area.”
It’s unclear what type of bugs these were. One witness told USA TODAY that the creatures appeared to be crickets while other reports suggested maggots.
Working ‘with idiots’
While the main goal of the Democratic National Convention was to drum up enthusiasm and promote unity in an attempt to defeat Donald Trump, there were other political agendas at work in Chicago, too.
Lobbyists, some of whom funded the convention and individual delegation events, had seemingly unfettered access to office holders and other key Democratic officials.
And those seeking office or re-election also made use of the convention to raise campaign money and seek other types of help.
Jennifer Schultz, a former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives who is challenging U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-8th District, made the rounds of other state delegates in an attempt to raise grassroots fundraising and “elevate a race that the national Democrats had chosen to stay out of.”
She also reached out to deep-pocket Democratic donors to “remind them of how close the race is.”
Rachel Bohman, a Democrat challenging U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad, R-1st District, also made a brief appearance in Chicago.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, D-2nd District, who is in a tough race for re-election against Republican Marine veteran and former federal prosecutor Joe Teirab, also sought support at the convention.
“I know I piss you off sometimes,” Craig said in a speech to Minnesota DFLers, a reference to votes she’s taken against some party positions.
But she said her “purple” congressional district “is the most evenly divided district held by a Democrat.”
She touted her record as one of the most bipartisan members in the U.S. House of Representatives and said “I have to work with idiots every day to keep that record.” Craig mentioned Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., among several examples.
