Torey Van Oot, Axios Twin Cities, September 6, 2022
Republican congressional candidate Tyler Kistner pledged to support federal legislation aimed at further reducing abortion access in response to a recent issue survey.
Why it matters: Abortion has become a hot topic in the rematch between Kistner and DFL U.S. Rep. Angie Craig in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
- The Prior Lake Republican, who touted his “100% pro-life” record in his 2020 campaign, said this summer that he does support exceptions for rape or when a pregnant person’s life is in danger.
- He said in June that the issue should be “left at the states to decide.”
Yes, but: The “pro-life” survey, published this summer by Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, asked candidates for federal office if they would support so-called “incremental approach” bills seeking to reduce abortion as part of “a strategic plan for creating a pro-life nation.”
- Kistner answered yes to that question, as well as one asking candidates if they’d work to uphold any “pro-life” laws or policies in place when they took office.
A spokesperson for Kistner didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Zoom out: Republican candidates around the country have been downplaying— or in some cases reversing — hardline anti-abortion stances they took during their primaries in light of signs that the Dobbs decision has energized Democratic voters, Axios’ Alexi McCammond and Andrew Solender report.
Endorsement drama for realtors
A decision to take a side in the governor’s race is lighting up the Minnesota Realtors’ listserv.
What’s happening: Minnesota Realtors Political Action Committee endorsed DFL Gov. Tim Walz’s re-election bid late last month.
- That announcement prompted a flurry of messages on the association’s members-only email chain, with some realtors threatening to pull their support over the move.
What they’re saying: “Looks like we have our own Swamp. Right here in Minnesota,” one agent wrote, pledging that he wouldn’t give “another dime” to the group.
The response: Other members chimed in to defend the decision and process, which included interviews with both top candidates.
- Some noted that the PAC, which routinely backs candidates from both sides of the aisle, previously endorsed Republican Tim Pawlenty.
Of note: The CEO of Minnesota Realtors declined to comment.
What it tells us: Tensions — and emotions — are running high in this hyper-polarized era of politics.
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