REDWOOD COUNTY, Minn. — The Minnesota Farmfest kicked off this week and Governor Tim Walz was expected to speak on Wednesday.
His appearance was canceled after Vice President Kamala Harris officially chose him as her running mate. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan will reportedly go in his place as Walz is expected at a rally in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with Harris.
The longtime trade show in Redwood County has a pulse, not only on agriculture, but politics, too. It’s known for providing essential dialogue between farmers and political figures, but also the latest trends and innovations.
“If you’re in the farming business, this is the place to be,” said Blue Loon Concessions owner Marc Anderson.
Minnesota’s Republican Congressman Tom Emmer was there and spoke during a congressional candidate forum. Afterwards, he also answered several of KARE 11’s Jennifer Hoff’s questions about Tuesday’s news.
“You now have two of the most radical people that you could possibly have on the ticket,” said Emmer, who represents the state’s sixth district for about 10 years now. He criticized Walz for over taxation and a slow response to rioting after George Floyd’s murder.
“We’ve got to sit down and say it’s not one way or the highway, which we’ve seen with a one party rule now in this state for a few years,” said Emmer. “This has to be stopped and Americans know that.”
Emmer pointed instead to Former President Donald Trump’s experience, citing a booming economy and border control.
That’s something Susan Herder has a hard time agreeing with, stumping instead for Walz. He’s a former Army sergeant turned teacher who helped shape farm policy during his decade in Congress too.
“He cares a lot about people and he knows what he’s doing,” said Herder. “I think he could work across the aisle really well.”
Farmfest continues through Thursday and concludes with the University of Minnesota’s “Farm Family Recognition Program” at 1:15 p.m.