Is the Iron Range (or near to it) waking up?

[dflprincess]

Last edited Sun Jul 4, 2021, 11:30 PM - Edit history (1)

Saw this on Facebook, purely andectocal of course, but hopeful:

"Just attended the Cloquet (near the iron range) 4th of July parade and had to share... when the Republican float went, it was eerily quiet - not one clap or cheer. Then, the Democrat float went by and our corner of strangers spontaneously erupted in cheers! It was funny, heartwarming and hopeful! "

[dchill]

1. Couldn't help noticing "...the Democrat float..."

Just saying...

[dflprincess]

2. Unfortunately a good many people seem to be picking that term up.

I don't know the person who wrote that post well but she is a DFLer and she really should know better.

I did add a correction in my comment on her post.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

3. Cloquet is not the Range. It has a DFL state rep

and a Republican state senator. In 2016 it went for Clinton and in 2020, for Biden. Those margins were narrow, but they were wins.

[dflprincess]

4. Isn't it very near the Range?

I'll admit I've rarely been in that part of the state.

And it does seem hopeful that the Republians drew no response.

[pazzyanne]

5. Cloquet is just south of the Mesabi Iron Range.

Iron Range Historical Marker – rural Cloquet, MN

[dflprincess]

6. Embarrassing, given I've lived here my whole life

(Save for the years my dad was transferred to western New York). I thought it was a bit closer to Duluth.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

7. Cloquet is about 15 miles southwest of Duluth. It's about 50 miles straight south of Eveleth,

the heart of the Range. But it's also culturally much farther from both. Politically, it could be compared to the Range, I suppose -- strong DFL and union history, but job loss/change and changing demographics have made it swing more Republican. I'm not sure we hold the House seat when the current rep retires.

[iemanja]

8. MN-08 voted more heavily Democratic in 2012

than any other district, including the Twin Cities districts. In 2016 and 2020, they went for Trump. I don't think the party paid enough attention to them in 2020. It's definitely a getable district.