Thursday afternoon saw Republican senate candidate Jim Newberger at the Coach House Café in Becker, holding a town meeting attended by Channel 4 WCCO, Republican officials and a group of local residents.

 

“We started this race 16 months ago and were down by 30 pts.,” said Newberger. “Today we’re less than nine points.”

 

Newberger is running against two-term Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar. The two candidates have debated twice, once at Farm Fest and once at the State Fair. However, Klobuchar has cancelled the last eight scheduled debates, leaving Newberger frustrated.

 

He has, however, been pleased with the media coverage he’s been getting across the state, calling it, ‘pretty darn good.’”

 

“I’ve had the honor of a lifetime being able to serve you in the Minnesota House,” he told attendees. “But someone had to step up and challenge Amy. We need balance in the Senate.”

 

Speaking briefly before opening the meeting up to questions from attendees, Newberger explained his stance on issues, stating he supports President Trump’s tax reform plan, wants to replace the Affordable Care Act with a free-market system and restore Minnesota Care. He’s against open borders, saying they lead to sanctuary cities.

 

“I do support helping refugees,” he clarified. “I always have. That’s what makes our country great. I don’t care who you are as long as you want to live under American law.”

 

With the floor open for questions, attendees questioned Newberger on a number of issues, including why candidates aren’t wanting to debate, health insurance and clean power.

 

“I support solar and wind but I don’t support big government subsidies for them,” he said, adding, “You’ll never see an employee parking lot at a solar garden. I’m very passionate about power plants.”

 

When asked what he needed to do in order to win the race, Newberger stated, “Number one is that our base has to turn out and vote. The direction of our nation is going to be set in the next few weeks.”

 

“Is this attainable? Yes. Will this be easy? No. Nothing good ever is. But we’re going to fight the fight. This is anyone’s race. The nine points I’m trailing by right now doesn’t factor in the minor parties.”

 

Newberger introduced Shane Mekeland, the Republican candidate endorsed to replace his 15B Representative seat and who was attacked at Jack & Jim’s in Duelm last week, leaving him with a concussion.

 

Also in attendance at the town meeting and introduced by Newberger were Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer, Sen. Andrew Mathews and secretary of state candidate John Howe.