BLOOMINGTON, MN The Donald Trump campaign has scheduled a last minute visit to Minnesota. Trump will rally his supporters at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 6, at the Sun Country Airlines hanger at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.
The visit is indicative of the campaign’s belief that Minnesota is no longer a “dark blue” state and that the Republican candidate has a strong chance to carry the traditionally democrat-leaning state in the November 8th election.
The Pioneer Press reports that MNGOP Chairman Keith Downey is optimistic for Trump’s chances in Minnesota:
“I think it’s a strong signal that Minnesota is more in play than people might imagine,” Downey said. “Donald Trump would not be coming to Minnesota if he didn’t think he could make a difference and actually perhaps pull off a victory here in Minnesota.”
Minnesota polling has shown Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton with a lead in the single digits, but Downey said the election has been moving in Republicans’ direction both here and nationwide. (Rachel Stassen-Berger and David Montgomery)
Trump made a rally stop in Eau Claire, Wisconsin last week. When he asked if there was anyone from Minnesota, the thousands-strong crowd erupted in cheers. During a campaign stop in Florida on Saturday, Trump announced that the campaign would be headed to Minnesota. Kellyanne Conway, Trump’s campaign manager, reiterated the announcement in a tweet:
@realDonaldTrump in Tampa #FL: “we are doing well in so-called Democratic strongholds. We are going to Minnesota” (&CO, MI WI PA NH NV)
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) November 5, 2016
The Real Clear Politics polling data shows Trump trailing democrat Hillary Clinton by 6 points in Minnesota; however, the latest poll taken was by KSTP between October 22 – 25; prior to the announcement that the FBI had re-opened the investigation into Clinton’s emails. Since that announcement, Trump has gained significant ground on Clinton in national polls going from an average of 7 points behind Clinton to a tie or trailing by less than two points today (Real Clear Politics).
Minnesota high school students may have indicated Trump’s success in Minnesota when they gave Trump the win in the state-wide mock election held earlier this week.
Sunday’s rally will be the first time Trump makes a public appearance in Minnesota. A private fundraiser was held for Trump in August this year; an event marred by attendees being attacked by protesters as Alpha News reported.
Andrea Mayer-Bruestle
Andrea Mayer-Bruestle is a former writer for Alpha News.
