All your base are belong to Iron Range

Politics in Minnesota recently sniffed around the theory the Iron Range could see increased political power after this year’s election. The Briana Bierschbach story most specifically explores the possibility of State Rep. and House Majority Leader Tony Sertich (DFL-Chisholm) becoming Speaker after the departure of Margaret Anderson Kelliher.

I’m quoted within, but my most predominant opinion about this story — really, rather the idea of the story — is let’s take this one step at a time. About six contingencies have to play out just right for this scenario to happen. Let the world spin. Rumors of an Iron Range supremacy movement are greatly exaggerated, as are rumors that the Range political structure is organized. You have shifting alliances on key local issues, some that are benign and others that tick me off, but that’s about it.

First things first, I had an exchange with Tony the other day and he’s knocking doors locally in his district against an up-and-coming Republican with a well-known Hibbing name, Paul Jacobson. I don’t think Tony’s in any significant danger, nor are most Range incumbents, and his new signs are sprouting up around Hibbing and Chisholm neighborhoods. Nevertheless, this isn’t a year to take anything for granted and Tony’s working the campaign trail up north and around the state for fellow DFLers.

I can tell you there are a lot of stereotypes about Iron Range politics that are right most of the time. Indeed, that’s the nature of stereotypes. However, it’s a mistake to label Tony as just another Iron Range legislator. He’s in the nerdy technocrat caucus along with me and …. well, I’m sure there must be others. Somewhere. Probably online right now.

Comments

  1. “State Rep. and House Majority Leader Tony Sertich (DFL-Chisholm) becoming Speaker….”

    He’s got his hands full just to retain “minority leader”…

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