News and information courtesy of your local Republican Party
Jensen Visits South St. Paul
Republican candidate for governor, Scott Jensen held a rally at Kaposia Park in South St. Paul on July 11, 2022. He was joined by his lieutenant governor running mate Matt Birk and freedom fighter NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom. Despite the uncertain weather, dozens of supporters attended. Jensen and Birk spoke about their positive plans to reduce crime, lower taxes, restore election integrity, and give parents school choice among other issues for the state of Minnesota if elected in November. Enes Kanter Freedom told his compelling story of coming to the US from Turkey and the consequences of his human rights advocacy for himself and his family members still in Turkey. Scott Jensen is traveling throughout Minnesota this summer bringing his message of freedom to people all over the state.
State Republican News
Via Alpha News, July 26, 2022
Scott Jensen has raised $2.2 million since he launched his campaign setting a record for the most money raised by a Republican gubernatorial challenger before the primary. However, Tim Walz continues to have a significant cash advantage. Read the entire article here: https://alphanews.org/campaign-cash-jensen-touts-record-for-republicans-but-walz-maintains-advantage/
Via Alpha News, July 27, 2022
Tom Emmer is raising concerns about the Chinese purchasing large amounts of American farmland. These kinds of transactions will have direct or indirect participation of the Chinese Communist Party. Read the entire article here: https://alphanews.org/emmer-sounds-alarm-on-increase-in-chinese-purchases-of-u-s-farmland/
Local Republican News
Election Judges Needed

All precincts in SD 53 are in need of more election judges than are currently signed up. Applicants have received notice of their assignments for the primary election but will have to perform more than one duty based on the low numbers. If interested in applying for the general election, please contact your City Clerk for specific information.

Planning is underway to schedule a monthly Pints and Politics event at local bars and restaurants. This will be a place to meet and talk with like minded people and learn more about how you can become involved with your local Republican group. Stay tuned for updated dates and locations.
Coffee with Precinct Chairs
Some of the precinct chairs have already been getting together with people in their precincts for morning coffee and conversation. Precinct chairs have all of the information you need to volunteer for activities and events with your local BPOU (Basic Political Organizing Unit). Locations are typically near the specific precinct borders and are Open House type events.
More information on SD 53 can be found at our website: https://mn53votes.org/
July Events
Your local GOP co-sponsored two community education programs during the month of July. Both were held at the Croatian Hall in South St. Paul. School Change Begins with You shared information on how mothers and others can take action to overcome education issues and find out exactly what is really being taught to our children. Speakers included Marie Katasonova from Minnesota De Jure, and Alfrieda Baldwin, a volunteer with TakeCharge MN working to restore the Black community’s cultural roots of faith, family, and education. Working Together to Reduce Violent Crime was presented by Todd Podgorski, Ramsey County Deputy and SSP City Council Member. He spoke about key issues facing law enforcement and citizens concerned about public safety.

Upcoming Events
August 2, National Night Out SD 53 – 4 to 9 pm
August 9, Minnesota Primary Election – 7am to 8pm
Monthly BPOU Mtg. typically the 2nd Tuesday of the month will be rescheduled due to the Primary Election
September 10, Inver Grove Heights Days Parade – 11am
See the full SD53Votes Calendar
Candidate Corner
Stephanie Auran, SD 53 GOP Chair
In order to qualify for public subsidies (extra campaign funds), which our opponents take full advantage of, each candidate must raise a set amount of money. We are down to the wire and our candidates still need to raise money to qualify.
Our opponents are well-funded and we need all of the help we can get in order to win these seats in November.
Can you make a donation today?
***Donate $50 per person or $100 per couple to a campaign and GET IT ALL BACK. Yes, it is a wash. This is how it works.
The Minnesota Political Contribution Refund (PCR) Program is a way for us to support local politics/local candidates. The public finance system, run by the
State of Minnesota, allows individuals to donate $50 per person or $100 per couple to a political party of their choice and receive a full refund from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Like it or not, the Democrats use this heavily. If we don’t use it, they will. Anything under $200 does not show up on the campaign report.
Donate to a campaign, get a receipt, fill out the attached form and send it in. A check is mailed to your home. You can do this once per calendar year.
Chris Rausch — SD53 Senate https://www.rauschformn.com/
Todd Kruse — SD53A House Candidate https://secure.winred.com/votekruse/donate
Steven Swoboda — SD53B House Candidate https://www.swoboda4house.com/donate
I encourage you to sign up to volunteer. Many hands make light work and what a great way to get to know your local candidates, learn about politics/campaigning, serve your community and meet fellow patriots. Don’t be intimidated… there are others to help guide and show you the ropes. Large and small tasks…. whatever your comfort level.
https://mn53votes.org/get-involved/
2022 Local GOP Candidates
Senate District 53 and House Districts 53A and 53B have endorsed candidates to run for state offices this fall.

Chris Rausch is the candidate running for Senate District 53 against Democrat Matt Klein. Chris is a descendent of Norwegian immigrants whose family has a history of service. He himself has been actively serving and volunteering since the age of 10. As a small business owner who graduated from film school, he is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Strategic Leadership.
Read more, donate, and volunteer at Chris’ website: rauschformn.com

Todd Kruse is the candidate for House District 53A running against Democrat Mary Francis Clardy. Todd is a current resident of Inver Grove Heights. His campaign is focused on crime and community, restructuring government, financial transparency, education, and the environment.
Read more, donate, and volunteer at Todd’s website: votekruse.com

Steven Swoboda is the candidate for House District 53B running against Rick Hansen. Steve is a 12 year resident of South St. Paul, a father of two boys, a professional engineer in the medical device industry, and a community leader. He is advocating for policies to protect life, promote liberty, and ensure a competitive marketplace for businesses and families.
Steve has received an official endorsement by the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and received an A grade based on his 2nd Amendment position.
Read more, donate, and volunteer at Steve’s website: swoboda4house.com
I get an email from you welcoming me to the new District and “candidates for CHANGE?” Like in obama “change?” Why ever did someone come up with that term AND THEN PUT IT IN PRINT?!?! We gag at the word ‘change’ which so closely identifies with the obama administration.
Hello,
You make a good point. I believe we are referring to new leadership at the local level. We will look to make some “changes” on the next go-around.