Mike Norton, the vice chair of the Minneapolis DFL, called Gov. Tim Walz and DFL Party Chair Ken Martin “a—holes” in a tweet on Monday.
“All these a—holes look the other way while Mayor Frey focuses all his energy on trying to take Ilhan’s congressional seat rather than manage the f—ing city,” Norton wrote.
Briana probably shouldn’t have said what she said, but she’s also a wonderful human being and deserves some grace.
Mpls DFL Chair is a thankless volunteer position and Briana works tirelessly for what she believes in.
Even when we disagree, I’m proud to call her a friend.
🧵
— Mike Norton (@NortonMpls) June 6, 2023
The thread was in reference to a now-deleted tweet about former President Ronald Reagan by the chair of the Minneapolis DFL, Briana Lee.
“Briana is a kind person who made a dumb tweet, but it’s really f—ing lame and slimey that the response was to throw her under the bus,” Norton said.
Norton went on to predict the political aspirations of Walz and Frey, saying they are seeking to gain endorsements for national offices and don’t want to have “real discussions” about Minneapolis.
The controversial tweet by Lee was initially posted on June 5, the 19th anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s death. After being called out for deleting the tweet, Lee locked her Twitter account.
“19 years ago today, Ronald Reagan did his one good deed for the world,” Lee wrote.
Norton defended Lee by saying, “Briana probably shouldn’t have said what she said, but she’s also a wonderful human being and deserves some grace.”
State Rep. Jen McEwen, DFL-St. Paul, defended Lee’s tweet, writing that Reagan’s “legacy is a disgrace.” She continued, saying the “consequences” of his administration are still felt today.
Current DFL legislator doubles down on cheering Reagan’s death. https://t.co/ENHTbTHdTt pic.twitter.com/Xmw6qNvJRs
— Matt Dean (@repmattdean) June 6, 2023
The DFL spoke out against what Lee said, calling it “beyond the pale” and saying they expect more of their leaders.
Hayley Feland
Hayley Feland previously worked as a journalist with The Minnesota Sun, The Wisconsin Daily Star, and The College Fix. She is a Minnesota native with a passion for politics and journalism.
