Wide Awake Minnesota

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews are joined by Sherburne County Commissioner Andrew Hulse to discuss the election night issues in Sherburne County.  The conversation centers on a data upload error involving mail-in ballots. Due to a partially seated memory card, the Minnesota Secretary of State's website displayed only partial election results. Commissioner Hulse explains the complex tabulation and reporting process, the safeguards in place, and the human error that caused the discrepancy. Commissioner Hulse emphasizes that no ballots were "found" but that the data was incorrectly transmitted. The issue led to a recount, which confirmed the accuracy of the results. The discussion highlights broader concerns about election security, human error, and the impact of public mistrust on voter turnout.  Hann and Mathews call for greater citizen involvement in the electoral process through public test attendance, engagement with county commissioners, and serving as election judges.

In this episode, Republican Party of Minnesota Executive Director Anna Mathews is joined by Alicia Leiviska, campaign director for the House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC), to reflect on the Minnesota House elections and the GOP's successful efforts to break the Democratic trifecta.  Alicia shares insights into the HRCC's strategy, including robust field teams, strong candidate support, and record-breaking fundraising led by Representative Lisa Demuth. They discuss the challenges of running in purple districts, voter psychology in split-ticket areas, and significant GOP wins in historically Democratic districts like the Iron Range and Winona. With the Minnesota House now tied, the episode explores the political implications and emphasizes the importance of grassroots engagement, voter outreach, and legislative involvement in shaping the state's future.

In this episode, Republican Party of Minnesota Executive Director Anna Mathews engages with guests Dahlia al-Aqidi and Tad Jude, Republican congressional candidates in Minnesota. Dahlia, who is challenging Ilhan Omar in the 5th District, discusses her vision for inclusivity and public safety and her opposition to Omar's policies, which she argues have damaged the community, especially in areas like crime and police funding. Tad Jude, competing for the seat vacated by Dean Phillips in the 3rd District, emphasizes his plan to make Minnesota more affordable by cutting taxes and reducing government spending.  Both candidates criticize their opponents for aligning too closely with Democrats' progressive agendas. They highlight key issues like education, cost of living, and public safety as central to their platforms. The episode ends with a call for financial support and voter participation in the upcoming elections.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss JD Vance's recent visit to Minneapolis and its contentious media coverage, focusing on rising crime, media bias, and political accountability. They criticize the media's portrayal of Vance's comments on the state of Minneapolis, arguing that the city's struggles with crime and business closures reflect more profound governance failures under Democratic leadership. They emphasize the importance of supporting police, tackling crime, and the need for change in the upcoming election. With just three weeks left until election day, they urge listeners to vote early and encourage others to do the same, stressing the election's critical role in shaping Minnesota's and the nation's future.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss the concerns surrounding Minnesota's new automatic voter registration system, especially in light of recent reports that non-citizens have been mistakenly registered to vote due to the state's new "driver's licenses for all" law. They criticize the Minnesota DFL's one-sided implementation of election laws, which they argue has led to security flaws, such as the potential for non-citizens to receive ballots. The episode highlights a recent case where a non-citizen received a ballot and emphasizes the Republican Party's efforts to address these issues, including letters sent to the Secretary of State and the Department of Public Safety.  Hann and Mathews also stress the importance of election integrity and encourage listeners to get involved as poll challengers or election judges.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss the latest polling data for the 2024 elections, focusing on Minnesota's tight political landscape. They highlight how the Harris-Walz ticket struggles to gain traction, with polls showing a shrinking lead over Trump, especially among independent voters.  They discuss that while Democrats lead in urban areas like Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, Republicans are seeing strong support in the rest of the state. They stress the importance of engaging with voters, especially independents, and encourage early voting as a strategic move to maximize GOP turnout. Hann and Mathews offer a hopeful outlook for Republicans, noting that Minnesota could be in play for a GOP victory in both the presidential race and the state legislature.

In this episode, Republican Party of Minnesota Executive Director Anna Mathews welcomes Representative Walter Hudson, the newly appointed Strategic Outreach and Engagement Director.  They discuss the importance of outreach efforts in diverse communities, including Rep. Hudson's initiative at the Juneteenth festival, where he engaged with voters by setting up a booth encouraging open dialogue. Rep.Hudson emphasizes that many of the values held by underrepresented communities align with Republican principles, and he stresses the need for the party to be more present in these areas. They also talk about the GOP's commitment to building relationships and developing a long-term strategy to expand its base, highlighting the significance of grassroots efforts, meaningful conversations, and the necessity of engaging voters across Minnesota.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's shortcomings and failures. They criticize his tenure as highly partisan, arguing that Walz has governed by catering to the far-left progressive base despite campaigning as a centrist. The hosts highlight several specific issues, including his handling of election laws, anti-business policies, and failure to improve Minnesota's education system despite significant spending. They also recount his poor leadership during the George Floyd riots, his draconian COVID-19 policies, and the substantial COVID-19 fraud scandal under his administration. The conversation further delves into the potential national implications if Walz were considered a vice-presidential candidate. Both Hann and Mathews express disbelief that Walz, whom they view as a divisive and ineffective leader, could attract centrist or rural votes on a national scale. They stress the importance of Republican voter turnout in the upcoming elections to counteract what they see as damaging Democratic policies. Hann and Mathews also touch on various symbolic and practical grievances, including changes to the state flag and marijuana legalization, underscoring their belief that Walz's tenure has been detrimental to Minnesota's overall well-being.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss the vibrant atmosphere and high level of unity among delegates at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.  Chairman Hann shares personal reflections on his first RNC Convention experience, noting the celebratory atmosphere and the camaraderie among delegates.  They discuss the potential political strategies moving forward, including the importance of the new VP pick, J.D. Vance, in attracting key voter demographics. The episode wraps up with thoughts on the future political landscape, emphasizing the need for continued unity and strategic planning within the Republican Party.

In this episode of Wide Awake Minnesota, Executive Director Anna Mathews sits down with two of the Minnesota Republican Party's most competitive candidates, Republican-endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Royce White and Republican-endorsed candidate for Congress in Minnesota's Second Congressional District Taylor Rahm, to discuss their campaigns against incumbents Rep. Angie Craig and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. Royce White and Tayler Rham share personal insights, campaign updates, and strategies to mobilize voters in their districts. They emphasize the importance of grassroots efforts, address key voter concerns such as the economy and immigration, and highlight their commitment to limited government and America First principles. Additionally, they reflect on the challenges of media bias and the significance of voter engagement in the upcoming primaries and general elections.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews analyze the recent Trump-Biden presidential debate. President Trump's composed, issue-focused performance starkly contrasts President Biden's apparent incoherence and confusion. Biden consistently finds it challenging to present coherent arguments and concentrate, implying that he is unfit for the office. Trump's performance reassured his supporters while speaking directly on significant issues, compared to Biden, who seemed unable to counter him effectively. This episode ends with both co-hosts expressing hope about President Trump's campaign gaining momentum and its impact on other Republicans seeking office in 2024. 

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews celebrate significant milestones and discuss the politics of the state of Minnesota. The episode begins with the announcement that the Republican Party of Minnesota is debt-free for the first time in over a decade, a feat achieved through successful fundraising efforts, including a significant dinner event with President Trump. They highlight the unity within the party and contrast it with the internal divisions facing the Minnesota Democrats, particularly regarding ideological splits and declining voter enthusiasm. The episode also underscores the importance of voter turnout and grassroots efforts, with Hann and Mathews urging local party units to engage in door-knocking and phone banking to mobilize Republican voters. Hann and Mathews conclude this episode with an optimistic outlook for the upcoming elections, emphasizing the growing support for Republicans in Minnesota.

In this episode, Anna Mathews, the party's executive director, is joined by multiple guests, including Joy Orvis, AK Kamara, Emily Novotny Chance, and Amanda Hughes, who are candidates to be members of the Republican National Committee from Minnesota. The episode touches on personal stories from the guests about their political journeys, reflections on influential political figures, and their own experiences within the party. The overarching theme is the importance of active participation, strategic communication, and personal connections in political advocacy and party leadership. This episode captures personal reflections and strategic discussions on broadening the party's appeal and impact in Minnesota.

In this episode, David Hann, chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, and Anna Mathews, the party's executive director, are joined by their first guest - former Senator Michelle Benson - who has chaired the party's constitution and bylaws committee. The episode discusses the upcoming proposals set to be presented at the state convention, focusing on the need to streamline the Republican Party's constitution to reflect core principles better and enhance the party's functionality. Senator Benson highlights the committee's effort to distill the party platform into a set of broader principles that are inclusive yet representative of the party's core values. This reformation aims to make the party's processes more efficient and the party itself a more attractive option for candidates, donors, and activists. The discussion emphasizes the importance of these changes in helping the party focus on winning elections and governance rather than internal disputes.      

In this episode, David Hann, chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, and Anna Mathews, the party's executive director, discuss the complexities surrounding the Otter Tail County Republican Caucuses.  They detail the disputes and misinformation that have arisen, focusing on how a faction dissatisfied with the local Republican party leadership took over the caucus process, leading to procedural noncompliance and chaos.  This episode underscores the challenges of local political organizations and the importance of adherence to established processes to ensure fair and transparent operations within the party structure.

In this episode, David Hann, chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, and Anna Mathews, the party's executive director, tackle the resurgence and appeal of communism and socialism within the Democratic Party, particularly among its younger demographics and city councils, like Minneapolis. They discuss how these ideologies are becoming mainstream within the party, citing the election of candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialist Party to the Minneapolis City Council and the influence of socialist-aligned caucuses in the state legislature. The episode critically examines the practical implications of socialist policies, such as minimum wage laws affecting Uber and Lyft's operations and the broader ideological shift towards government control and away from individual freedoms. Hann and Mathews express concern over the growing acceptance of these ideologies, attributing it to a lack of historical awareness and education. They also emphasize the importance of individual choice and market freedom as foundational to the American system.

  In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews have a discussion centered on internal party issues and updates related to the Otter Tail County precinct caucuses. They provide background on long-standing tensions within Otter Tail County, particularly allegations of "padding the caucus list" in 2022, where names were allegedly added to delegate lists after caucus night without proper election. They explain the state party's inability to intervene due to a lack of evidence. For the 2024 caucuses, new procedures were implemented. Still, controversy arose when Otter Tail County's caucus attendees reportedly voted out the official convener, deviated from recommended procedures, and failed to follow proper documentation protocols. They detail how this led to confusion and complaints, forcing state party leadership to review the evidence. Ultimately, the party concluded that no legitimate election of delegates had occurred, resulting in a decision to maintain the 2022 delegate list as active until valid successors are elected. The episode underscores transparency, procedural integrity, and the challenges of managing local party operations.

In this episode, David Hann, chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, and Anna Mathews, the party's executive director, discuss the outcomes and implications of the recent presidential primary held on March 5th. They highlight the increased voter turnout for the Republican primary compared to four years ago, and contrast it with the significantly lower turnout of Democratic voters for their candidate, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm among Democrats in Minnesota.  The episode further explores the internal divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict, and critiques President Biden's performance and popularity. They also mention Dean Phillips' candidacy and the uncommitted vote movement as indicators of Democratic discontent. Additionally, the episode covers Nikki Haley's campaign efforts and her appeal to suburban and moderate voters. The conversation concludes with insights into the Republican National Committee's new leadership under Michael Watley, with a focus on election integrity, and Laura Trump's role as co-chair.  Hann and Mathews emphasize the importance of volunteer efforts and voter mobilization leading up to the November election, portraying it as a critical opportunity for the Republican Party in Minnesota.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews from the Minnesota Republican Party discuss the lawsuit filed by the DFL to remove the major party status of a rival political party and highlight changes in the law affecting party status qualifications. Hann and Mathews criticize these changes as politically motivated to disadvantage opponents, particularly targeting the Legal Marijuana Now Party. The episode also touches on internal party controversies, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and unity within the Republican Party as they prepare for upcoming elections.      

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews continue their discussion on Minnesota politics, focusing on recent polling results and their implications for the Republican Party. They delve into public sentiment regarding economic issues, taxation, and legislative actions, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with the Minnesota Democrats.  The episode also covers strategies for mobilizing Republican voters in light of these polling insights, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and voter turnout efforts to capitalize on the prevailing public discontent ahead of upcoming elections.

In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews dive into the intricacies of the Republican National Committee (RNC), following Chairman Hann's recent attendance at an RNC meeting in Las Vegas. They demystify the RNC's structure and its role in supporting the Republican Party on a national scale, emphasizing its focus on federal elections, fundraising, and maintaining a comprehensive voter database. The discussion also touches on the importance of the RNC in orchestrating the logistics and strategy behind election campaigns, notably in the context of presidential races. This episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the operational complexities of the Republican Party's national committee, offering listeners an insider perspective on political organization and strategy at the national level.

Welcome to the premiere episode of Wide Awake Minnesota, a podcast hosted by Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews, where they pull back the curtain to give you an insider's perspective on Minnesota politics and the things Minnesota Democrats don't want you to know. This episode delves into the significance of the podcast's name, drawing inspiration from the "Wide Awake" clubs of the 1860s that supported Abraham Lincoln and the Republican Party, and discusses contemporary issues such as "wokeism," the importance of preserving historical values, and the initiative to save the historic Minnesota state flag.  Chairman Hann and Executive Director Mathews express their views on the impact of current political decisions on Minnesota's heritage and civic engagement's importance in influencing legislative actions, particularly concerning the state flag's preservation.

Welcome to Wide Awake Minnesota, a podcast hosted by Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews, where they pull back the curtain to give you an insider's perspective on Minnesota politics and the things Minnesota Democrats don't want you to know.