A Break Down on the GOP and DFL Conventions

Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb are joined by DFL strategist Will Davis to preview Minnesota’s GOP convention in Duluth and the DFL convention in Rochester, offering predictions on endorsements, ballot counts, and potential fireworks. They discuss the MN GOP governor’s race, including the field of Lisa Demuth, Kendall Qualls, Mike Lindell, and Patrick Knight; Lindell’s residency questions; possible running-mate scenarios; whether a late Trump endorsement could reshape the race; and expected disputes over using clickers versus paper ballots. For the GOP U.S. Senate endorsement, the hosts predict Adam Schwarze over Michele Tafoya and Royce White and briefly touch on the auditor’s contest. On the DFL side, they expect Amy Klobuchar to be endorsed for governor, note that Tim Walz is skipping the convention, and react to Angie Craig skipping the Senate endorsement as delegates align behind Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, with platform fights as the likeliest DFL flashpoint. 00:00 — Welcome, Convention Preview, and Why It Matters: Opening remarks, an introduction to guest Will Davis, and a breakdown of why conventions matter and how DFL and GOP convention cultures differ. 04:55 — The GOP Governor’s Field and Endorsement Forecast: An overview of the Republican governor’s race, who is likely to get endorsed, Lindell’s residency questions, and running-mate rumors. 18:45 — The Trump Endorsement Wildcard and Ballot Rules: Whether a late Trump endorsement could reshape the GOP governor’s race, plus a breakdown of ballot rules, the clicker versus paper ballot dispute, and source code conspiracy talk. 32:01 — GOP Senate Endorsement: Tafoya vs. Schwarze: How convention clickers work, a detailed breakdown of the Tafoya versus Schwarze matchup, and predictions for the GOP auditor race. 40:46 — Walz Skips the DFL Convention: Why Tim Walz is sitting out the DFL convention, what it signals, and the broader implications for the party heading into the fall. 45:27 — Klobuchar, the LG Pick, and Angie Craig’s Decision: Grumbling about Klobuchar within the DFL, lieutenant governor pick scenarios, and reaction to Angie Craig skipping the Senate endorsement. 55:46 — DFL Platform Fight, Final Watchlist and Wrap-up: The likeliest DFL flashpoint heading into Rochester and a final convention weekend watchlist for both parties. Wrap-up and closing remarks from the hosts and Will Davis. The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week! Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe