The sudden death of Legal Marijuana Now Party candidate Adam Weeks has upended the race in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District. Weeks passed away last week.
Because the Legal Marijuana Now Party is a “major party,” the law says that the race should be rescheduled to take place in February.
The Minnesota law in question was passed on a bipartisan basis in response to the death of Democratic Sen. Paul Wellstone months before the election, which led to GOP Sen. Norm Coleman winning the election.
Previously, Alpha News reported that an election delay may be unfavorable to Democrat incumbent Rep. Angie Craig, who is running against Republican challenger Tyler Kistner. That’s because Craig may be counting on anti-Trump voters to aid her turnout, and because Craig — a sitting congresswoman — would have to abandon her seat for a month between the swearing in of the new Congress and the special election in February.
It appears this assessment was correct. In her initial response, Craig urged her supporters to still vote for her in November even if the vote may not count. In contrast, Kistner appeared to accept the change of the election date, and showed sympathy for Weeks and his family.
Now, Craig is suing to keep the election slated for November.
“Unfortunately, the process currently in place would deprive Minnesotans of their seat at the table at a time when critical legislation affecting our state will be debated,” Craig said in a statement. “Hardworking second district families are entitled to representation in Congress, and that’s why I’m taking action today to ensure that the election this November proceeds as mandated by federal law.”
Kistner’s campaign has criticized her for this move.
“Despite Secretary of State Simon being crystal clear that there will be a special election in February, Angie Craig is trying to rewrite laws to disenfranchise voters,” said Kistner’s campaign manager, Billy Grant. “The people in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District will not be fooled.”
Kistner’s campaign said it is now planning on the February election date, in accordance with Minnesota law.
Willis Krumholz
Willis L. Krumholz is a fellow at Defense Priorities. He holds a JD and MBA degree from the University of St. Thomas, and works in the financial services industry. The views expressed are those of the author only. You can follow Willis on Twitter @WillKrumholz.
