Post Bulletin Endorses Jake Johnson for Congress

Today, the Post Bulletin Editorial Board endorsed math teacher Jake Johnson in Minnesota’s First Congressional District and delivered a strong rebuke of Brad Finstad after backing him the past two cycles. The board cited Finstad’s “no-show” track record and lack of legislative accomplishments, contrasting with Johnson’s 21-county town hall tour, bipartisan appeal, and problem solving approach.

The endorsement adds to Johnson’s growing momentum, following two recent polls showing Jake ahead, including an independent KAAL/SurveyUSA poll released last week that had Jake leading Finstad 46% to 44% and the nonpartisan Cook Political Report moving the race in his direction for the second time last Friday.

“Public service starts with showing up, and for too long, this district has dealt with a representative who dodges public town halls and hides behind closed doors,” said Jake Johnson. “I’ve spent this campaign holding town halls in all 21 counties, listening to folks, and focusing on real solutions. I’m honored by the Post Bulletin’s endorsement, and I’m ready to actually bring this district’s voice to Congress for the first time in years.”

Key Excerpts:

“We already had concerns over Finstad’s availability and responsiveness two years ago when he narrowly won our endorsement against a different opponent. The last two years have shown little or no improvement, and maybe you have seen signs on lawns that feature Finstad in a parody of a missing-person notice on a milk carton. Widespread calls for him to hold an open, public town hall meeting for constituents were ignored, then mocked as Finstad referred to those constituents as having a “mob mentality” and wanting to throw a “hissy fit.”
“Voters have a fresh and appealing alternative in Johnson, a 43-year-old Rochester Public Schools math teacher who says he never envisioned running for office, but was inspired to do so when he found himself disappointed with Finstad’s arm’s-length approach to representing southern Minnesota.”
“For Johnson, leadership and public service start with being available — not only seen and heard, but also as a good listener. Call it a gimmick if you will, but Johnson’s effort to hold an open, public town hall meeting in each one of the district’s 21 counties showed courage (he faced his share of hostile questions) and an understanding of what has been missing.”
“If you have followed Johnson’s campaign, you have seen someone who is willing to break from the two-party stagnation that cripples our national politics. [...] Political moderates will find a lot to like about Johnson, whose thoughtful platform is made up of positions that have cross-aisle appeal.”
“While Finstad has been a reliable vote for his party in Congress, we must admit that we like the idea of having a representative who isn’t taken for granted by his peers. Maybe in being his own man, Johnson could achieve a legislative record to surpass the less-than-inspiring results delivered by our current ‘workhorse.’”
“It's clear that voters have noticed Johnson's energy and fresh message. While Finstad won his district by a 17-point margin just two years ago, recent polling shows Johnson has closed that gap, and may even enjoy a slight lead (within the poll's margin of error). It is well past time that Minnesota’s 1st District has more productive, more effective, more responsive, and more accountable representation. It will have it, when it elects Jake Johnson to Congress.”

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