TO THE EDITOR:

Why has Tom Emmer decided to support Donald Trump’s ongoing effort to overturn the certified results of the 2020 election?  This action would discredit all elections. Who is to say his election was not fraudulent?  He is baselessly attacking one of the core elements of democracy and, in doing so, defying the will of the people.

I do not know what is going on in Tom Emmer’s head or why he is motivated to attack democracy in this way. Trump is openly attempting to recruit Republican legislators to reject the election results and install him as president, and Emmer has joined the effort. Political parties do not get to choose the winners. The People do that.

This scheme is sure to fail, but Trump is trying it anyway and Emmer, in direct defiance of his oath of office, is helping him. He is not fit to serve. Personally, I feel he is guilty of far worse than simply being unfit. He is aiding an attempt to subvert democracy.

Recounts in close elections, fine, but that work has been done under the direction of Republicans and Democrats alike. Legal challenges are appropriate, but virtually all of Trump’s cases were dismissed for lack of merit. The results are now in and certified by the states. They are incontrovertible, Trump has lost. Emmer’s duty is to compel Trump to concede and Trump’s duty is to transfer power and move on. That is how democracy works. This election is no different.

Ron Thiessen

Clear Lake, MN