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Articles by Allison Kite
Minnesota Republicans are outspending Democrats in runup to midterm elections
By Allison Kite, Ryan Faircloth and Tom Nehil, The Minnesota Star Tribune MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Republicans are outspending Democrats for the first time in recent memory as they try to wrest control of state offices from the DFL and defy national headwinds in next week's midterm elections. Four years ago, Democrats spent more than double what Republicans did and won every statewide office and majorities in the state Legislature.
Minnesota Republicans are outspending Democrats in runup to midterm elections
Minnesota Republicans are outspending Democrats in runup to midterm elections It’s the first time in recent memory the GOP and its allies have outspent opponents here. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth, right, listens as her Democratic opponent U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar speaks during a gubernatorial debate on Oct. 21 in Rochester.
Minnesota Republicans are outspending Democrats in runup to midterm elections
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Republicans are outspending Democrats for the first time in recent memory as they try to wrest control of state offices from the DFL and defy national headwinds in next week’s midterm elections. Four years ago, Democrats spent more than double what Republicans did and won every statewide office and majorities in the state Legislature. Now, Republicans — galvanized by strong candidates and what they see as voter frustration over Democratic leadership — are spending big.
Minnesota Senate candidates Michele Tafoya and Peggy Flanagan on Trump's tariffs
MINNEAPOLIS - President Donald Trump's handling of the economy has been a key dividing line in races up and down the ballot as Minnesota heads into a midterm election with open seats for U.S. Senate and governor. The Senate race between Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Republican former NFL broadcaster Michele Tafoya holds particular weight as the winner could have opportunities to vote on whether to continue Trump's tariff policy.
Minnesota governor candidates Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth on mining
MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota's next governor will inherit a struggling mining economy, a changing North Shore and a long-running debate over whether to allow mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The new governor - either Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar or Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth - will also be faced with whether to extend an executive order signed this summer by Gov. Tim Walz to restrict copper-nickel mining, at least temporarily, in the Boundary Waters watershed.
Where they stand: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth on mining Original
Where they stand: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth on mining Both governor candidates support more mining in Minnesota, but split over mining near the Boundary Waters. October 23, 2026 at 6:00AM The Ironman Memorial in Chisholm. (Jerry Holt/The Minnesota Star Tribune) Comment Gift Share Minnesota’s next governor will inherit a struggling mining economy, a changing North Shore and a long-running debate over whether to allow mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Where they stand: Michele Tafoya and Peggy Flanagan on Trump’s tariffs
Where they stand: Michele Tafoya and Peggy Flanagan on Trump’s tariffs Tafoya has defended tariffs as a negotiating tool while Flanagan calls for the elimination of most of the import taxes. October 23, 2026 at 6:00AM Lt. Gov. and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Peggy Flanagan, left, and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Michele Tafoya.
Phi Beta Kappa says Minnesota Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan was an honor society member
By Allison Kite, The Minnesota Star Tribune MINNEAPOLIS - Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said in a 2016 Minnesota House committee hearing she was part of a college honor society. Her campaign said Wednesday she was nominated but did not actually belong to Phi Beta Kappa, citing the cost of membership. Later the same day, the campaign said it confirmed with Phi Beta Kappa that Flanagan has in fact been a "member ... in good standing" since 2002.
Keith Ellison’s case against Trump is now his case for re-election
Keith Ellison’s case against Trump is now his case for re-election The DFL attorney general has cast himself as Minnesota’s last line of defense against Trump, even as his Republican opponent has accused him of politicizing the office. October 21, 2026 at 12:00PM Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sifts through the piles of executive orders and directives by the Trump administration while in his office at the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul on April 9, 2025.
Peggy Flanagan claimed college honor society membership but never joined
Peggy Flanagan claimed college honor society membership but never joined The Democrat running for U.S. Senate said in a 2016 Minnesota House committee hearing that she “graduated Phi Beta Kappa.” October 21, 2026 at 11:33AM Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan speaks to supporters Aug. 11 in Minneapolis. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune) Comment Gift Share Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan claimed in a 2016 Minnesota House committee hearing to have been part of a college honor society she did not belong to.
Phi Beta Kappa says Minnesota Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan was an honor society member
MINNEAPOLIS — Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said in a 2016 Minnesota House committee hearing she was part of a college honor society. Her campaign said Wednesday she was nominated but did not actually belong to Phi Beta Kappa, citing the cost of membership. Later the same day, the campaign said it confirmed with Phi Beta Kappa that Flanagan has in fact been a “member ... in good standing” since 2002.
Phi Beta Kappa says Minnesota Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan was an honor society member
MINNEAPOLIS — Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said in a 2016 Minnesota House committee hearing she was part of a college honor society. Her campaign said Wednesday she was nominated but did not actually belong to Phi Beta Kappa, citing the cost of membership. Later the same day, the campaign said it confirmed with Phi Beta Kappa that Flanagan has in fact been a “member ... in good standing” since 2002. kAm%96 (2== $EC66E y@FC?2= 7:CDE C6A@CE65 (65?6D52J E92E u=2?282?
Tafoya and Flanagan clash over what it means to be 'pro-choice'
Michele Tafoya launched a new campaign ad last weekend calling herself a "pro-choice Republican," a bid to reinforce her image as an independent voice for Minnesota in the U.S. Senate. She's not alone in talking about abortion on the campaign trail.
Tafoya and Flanagan clash over what it means to be ‘pro-choice’
Tafoya and Flanagan clash over what it means to be ‘pro-choice’ Four years after Roe, abortion rights have become a flashpoint in Minnesota’s Senate race. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan speaks at an abortion rights rally in 2022. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune) Comment Gift Share Michele Tafoya launched a new campaign ad last weekend calling herself a “pro-choice Republican,” a bid to reinforce her image as an independent voice for Minnesota in the U.S. Senate.
Tafoya and Flanagan clash over what it means to be ‘pro-choice’
Michele Tafoya launched a new campaign ad last weekend calling herself a “pro-choice Republican,” a bid to reinforce her image as an independent voice for Minnesota in the U.S. Senate. She’s not alone in talking about abortion on the campaign trail. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is trying to reach voters who punished Republicans after Roe v. Wade was overturned, arguing Democrats are still the best option for those who want to protect access to the procedure.
Tafoya and Flanagan clash over what it means to be 'pro-choice'
Michele Tafoya launched a new campaign ad last weekend calling herself a “pro-choice Republican,” a bid to reinforce her image as an independent voice for Minnesota in the U.S. Senate. She’s not alone in talking about abortion on the campaign trail. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is trying to reach voters who punished Republicans after Roe v. Wade was overturned, arguing Democrats are still the best option for those who want to protect access to the procedure.
Trump ties, fraud crisis put Tafoya and Flanagan on defense in Minnesota Senate debate
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Republican Michele Tafoya sought to establish her independence from President Donald Trump, while Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan faced questions about party loyalty and her responsibility for Minnesota's fraud crisis during their first and only scheduled U.S. Senate debate Friday. The debate came just days after Trump encouraged Minnesotans to vote for Tafoya.
Trump ties, fraud crisis put Tafoya and Flanagan on defense in Minnesota Senate debate
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Republican Michele Tafoya sought to establish her independence from President Donald Trump, while Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan faced questions about party loyalty and her responsibility for Minnesota's fraud crisis during their first and only scheduled U.S. Senate debate Friday. The debate came just days after Trump encouraged Minnesotans to vote for Tafoya.
Trump ties, fraud crisis put Tafoya and Flanagan on defense in Senate debate
Trump ties, fraud crisis put Tafoya and Flanagan on defense in Senate debate The candidates challenged each other’s independence from their parties and split over tariffs, abortion and immigration enforcement in their only scheduled debate. Lt. Gov. and Democratic candidate Peggy Flanagan and Republican nominee for U.S. Senate Michele Tafoya debate at MPR headquarters in in St. Paul on Friday.
Live: Tafoya and Flanagan meet for first Senate debate
Live: Tafoya and Flanagan meet for first Senate debate Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Peggy Flanagan, left, and Republican candidate Michele Tafoya. (Renée Jones Schneider, Richard /The Minnesota Star Tribune) The debate between the two candidates begins at noon on MPR News. Peggy Flanagan and Michele Tafoya are meeting for their first and only scheduled debate of the U.S. Senate campaign, giving voters a chance to compare the candidates side by side as the race enters its final weeks.
Trump ties, fraud crisis put Tafoya and Flanagan on defense in Minnesota Senate debate
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Republican Michele Tafoya sought to establish her independence from President Donald Trump, while Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan faced questions about party loyalty and her responsibility for Minnesota’s fraud crisis during their first and only scheduled U.S. Senate debate Friday. The debate came just days after Trump encouraged Minnesotans to vote for Tafoya.
Poll: Attorney General Ellison leads challenger
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison holds a comfortable lead over his Republican opponent, Ron Schutz, in a race that previous public polling had shown to be a dead heat. Enough voters remained undecided, though, to swing the election.
Minnesota Poll: Attorney General Keith Ellison leads challenger Ron Schutz
Minnesota Poll: Attorney General Keith Ellison leads challenger Ron Schutz Ellison, a Democrat, has centered affordability and fighting the Trump administration in his campaign for a third term. Schutz has criticized him over fraud in state programs. DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison and Republican challenger Ron Schutz meet for their first debate this election season at MPR headquarters Oct. 2.
Ron Schutz brings four decades in court to challenge DFL’s long hold on AG’s office
Ron Schutz was a young lawyer when he took a case to trial on behalf of the inventor of the MRI, claiming General Electric had infringed on his client’s patent. kAmw:D @AA@D:?8 4@F?D6= FC865 9:> E@ D6EE=6i “*@F’C6 ?6G6C 8@:?8 E@ H:? E9:D 42D6[” $49FEK C642==65] w:D E62> 7@C865 29625 2?JH2J — 2?5 H@? >@C6 E92? S`__ >:==:@? 7@C E96 :?G6?E@C[ C6A@CE65 2E E96 E:>6 2D E96 =2C86DE A2E6?E :?7C:?86>6?E G6C5:4E FA96=5 @?
Ron Schutz tries to keep Trump at arm's length in Minnesota attorney general's race
MINNEAPOLIS - Ron Schutz was a young lawyer when he took a case to trial on behalf of the inventor of the MRI, claiming General Electric had infringed on his client's patent. His opposing counsel urged him to settle: "You're never going to win this case," Schutz recalled. His team forged ahead anyway - and won more than $100 million for the inventor, reported at the time as the largest patent infringement verdict upheld on appeal.
In this vast stretch of northern Minnesota, shifting politics make every vote count
By Allison Kite, Briana Bierschbach, The Minnesota Star Tribune HERMANTOWN, Minn. - The territory is vast. The margins of victory are not. Here in the northeastern corner of Minnesota, state Senate candidates are trying desperately to persuade voters to elect them to represent a district with a near-even partisan divide that's roughly the size of Massachusetts. Two years ago, the Senate race and a House seat within its borders were decided by fewer than 1,000 votes combined.
In this vast stretch of northern Minnesota, shifting politics make every vote count
HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The territory is vast. The margins of victory are not. Here in the northeastern corner of Minnesota, state Senate candidates are trying desperately to persuade voters to elect them to represent a district with a near-even partisan divide that’s roughly the size of Massachusetts. Two years ago, the Senate race and a House seat within its borders were decided by fewer than 1,000 votes combined.
In this vast stretch of northern Minnesota, shifting politics make every vote count
HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The territory is vast. The margins of victory are not. Here in the northeastern corner of Minnesota, state Senate candidates are trying desperately to persuade voters to elect them to represent a district with a near-even partisan divide that’s roughly the size of Massachusetts. Two years ago, the Senate race and a House seat within its borders were decided by fewer than 1,000 votes combined.
Ron Schutz brings four decades in court to challenge DFL’s long hold on AG’s office
Ron Schutz brings four decades in court to challenge DFL’s long hold on AG’s office The first-time Republican candidate is trying to keep Attorney General Keith Ellison from winning a third term and is keeping the president at arm’s length. Republican candidate Ron Schutz, who is running for Minnesota Attorney General, speaks during a debate against Attorney General Keith Ellison at MPR headquarters in St. Paul on Oct. 2.
Ron Schutz tries to keep Trump at arm’s length in attorney general’s race Original
Ron Schutz tries to keep Trump at arm’s length in attorney general’s race The first-time Republican candidate points to his long legal career as he looks to keep Attorney General Keith Ellison from winning a third term. Republican candidate Ron Schutz, who is running for Minnesota attorney general, speaks during a debate against Attorney General Keith Ellison at MPR headquarters in St. Paul on Oct. 2.
In this vast stretch of northern Minnesota, shifting politics make every vote count
In this vast stretch of northern Minnesota, shifting politics make every vote count A state Senate rematch and a closely watched House race has a once-reliable DFL stronghold in northeastern Minnesota at the center of the fight for control of the Legislature. Sen. Grant Hauschild and DFL House candidate Aaron Schweiger knock on doors in Hermantown. They are running in two of the state's most competitive legislative districts this fall.
Live: Attorney general candidates face off in first debate
Live: Attorney general candidates face off in first debate Left to right, Republican candidate Ron Schutz and DFL Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. (Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune) Keith Ellison and Republican challenger Ron Schutz square off at noon on MPR News. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will face Republican challenger Ron Schutz in their first debate on MPR News at noon today.
Minnesota House control runs through a fiercely contested suburban rematch
Minnesota House control runs through a fiercely contested suburban rematch DFL Rep. Brad Tabke of Shakopee is again facing Republican Aaron Paul in a bellwether matchup. Immigration, affordability, fraud and taxes are all in the mix. Minnesota House candidate Aaron Paul walks past a yard sign for his opponent Rep. Brad Tabke while door knocking in Shakopee on Friday.
Minnesota mail-in voting will proceed normally after Supreme Court tosses Trump order
Minnesota mail-in voting will proceed normally after Supreme Court tosses Trump order President Donald Trump attempted to give the U.S. Postal Service new powers to determine who gets mail-in ballots just weeks before the midterms. FILE— Ballots are sorted during a statewide special election in City of Industry, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2025. A Supreme Court decision means Minnesota's mail-in voting will proceed as it usually does without new Postal Service rules on envelope design.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
MINNEAPOLIS (TNS) — Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation’s roadways. Growing unease about the data collected by automatic license plate readers has forced several police departments to abandon the cameras, which have become synonymous with the leading company providing them, Flock Safety. kAmx? C646?E >@?E9D[ 92=7 2 5@K6? ;FC:D5:4E:@?D 92G6 DE@AA65 FD:?8 E96:C u=@4< 42>6C2D] ~E96CD 92G6 D66? E96:C 42>6C2D DE@=6?
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
By Allison Kite, The Minnesota Star Tribune MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways. Growing unease about the data collected by automatic license plate readers has forced several police departments to abandon the cameras, which have become synonymous with the leading company providing them, Flock Safety.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
By Allison Kite - The Minnesota Star Tribune (TNS) MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways. Growing unease about the data collected by automatic license plate readers has forced several police departments to abandon the cameras, which have become synonymous with the leading company providing them, Flock Safety. Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
A Flock Safety camera is covered up at the intersection of 49th Avenue NE at 6th Street NE in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
A Flock Safety camera is covered up at the intersection of 49th Avenue NE at 6th Street NE in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
A Flock Safety camera is covered up at the intersection of 49th Avenue NE at 6th Street NE in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
A Flock Safety camera is covered up at the intersection of 49th Avenue NE at 6th Street NE in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
A Flock Safety camera is covered up at the intersection of 49th Avenue NE at 6th Street NE in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
A Flock Safety camera is covered up at the intersection of 49th Avenue NE at 6th Street NE in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways. Growing unease about the data collected by automatic license plate readers has forced several police departments to abandon the cameras, which have become synonymous with the leading company providing them, Flock Safety. In recent months, half a dozen jurisdictions have stopped using their Flock cameras.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways. Growing unease about the data collected by automatic license plate readers has forced several police departments to abandon the cameras, which have become synonymous with the leading company providing them, Flock Safety. In recent months, half a dozen jurisdictions have stopped using their Flock cameras.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
A Flock Safety camera is covered up at the intersection of 49th Avenue NE at 6th Street NE in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
A Flock Safety camera is covered up at the intersection of 49th Avenue NE at 6th Street NE in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways. Growing unease about the data collected by automatic license plate readers has forced several police departments to abandon the cameras, which have become synonymous with the leading company providing them, Flock Safety. In recent months, half a dozen jurisdictions have stopped using their Flock cameras.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
A Flock Safety camera is covered up at the intersection of 49th Avenue NE at 6th Street NE in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways.
Minnesota voters want to talk about Flock cameras. Candidates are leaning in.
MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota voters are giving candidates an earful about the expanding networks of surveillance cameras monitoring the nation's roadways. Growing unease about the data collected by automatic license plate readers has forced several police departments to abandon the cameras, which have become synonymous with the leading company providing them, Flock Safety. In recent months, half a dozen jurisdictions have stopped using their Flock cameras.
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