Sen. Amy Klobuchar proved to be an early favorite among gubernatorial candidates at the party’s Blue Earth County caucuses Tuesday.
Early straw poll numbers from the Mankato East High School and Vernon Center City Hall sites give her 268 votes, while other candidates didn’t reach above 10. Around 37 attendees said they were uncommitted.
This comes as the statewide caucuses give a first opportunity to gauge Klobuchar’s favorability as she steps in to run in place of Gov. Tim Walz, who declined to run for a third term.
Abbey Andree, of Blue Earth County precinct eight, said she believes Klobuchar has always been steadfast in her role.
“Her values have always aligned with what mine have been,” she said.
Jane Unzeitig, of precinct 10, said, “She’s strong and she knows the state. She fights for the people here.”
Jenna Couch, of the same precinct, added, “I think she is a strong candidate, and just from what I know about her, she gets things done, she cares. … I’m sad that Gov. Walz backed out. I really liked him, however I also get it.”
Attendees said topics such as the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the state and LGBTQ+ issues were top of mind Tuesday.
On why she attended, precinct eight’s Nola Rhea said, “It’s important because we need to have our voices heard, especially with everything that’s going on right now. I’m personally transgender. I think that’s very important, and that’s something that I want represented.”
Andree added she’s also thinking about rent control and tuition prices as a college student.
DFL Blue Earth County Chair Julianne Gruber said there was a big turnout among young voters Tuesday.
“I’m excited about how many young people are here. This is really important. Some of us have been doing this for a really long time, and we need to keep having the new blood, have new enthusiasm, have people with new ideas,” she said.
But at 75-years-old, Unzeitig said this was her first caucus.
“It was important for me because I’ve become really an activist. It’s important for me to learn how our government works and be a part of it,” she said.
In addition to the straw poll, the caucuses give residents a chance to meet with their neighbors about issues that matter to them and select delegates to represent them at future conventions.
Andree said she was a delegate last year and wants to take on the role again.
“I found that it was so inspiring to meet with these people and meet people who’ve done this for years and talk about organizing and the values they represent,” she said.