WINONA, Minn. — Public opinion on the ICE shooting in Minneapolis and the ICE operations around the country seems to be lining up along partisan lines, says political scientist Darrell Downs at Winona State University. “The GOP is showing strong support for ICE, Dems showing the opposite, and Independents leaning in with the Dems,” Downs said. If the trend continues, Downs said, expect Democrat Jake Johnson, who’s running for Congress from southern Minnesota, to hit the military issue hard as he tries to draw out incumbent Brad Finstad. Johnson’s challenge, Downs said, is to draw Finstad into public events and forums. Finstad, a tight Trump ally, has avoided public venues with constituents for months as Trump’s following has faded. About other races, Downs said:
> Steve Jacob of Elba, a Republican running for the State Senate in very conservative District 20, can be expected to use the ICE issue as an advantage to solidify his support.
> Cherie Johnson of Winona and Michael Todd of Goodview, in the state Senate District 26 race for the Jeremy Miller vacancy, if they win their party endorsements, need to get atop of local issues. As newcomers they can be expected to be naturally cautious about spending much time talking about immigration. Johnson is a Republican, Todd a Democrat.
> Aaron Ripinsky of Winona, seeking re-election to House District 26-A, needs to be fairly quiet or cautious on ICE. The issue plays differently in conservative-leaning suburban Goodview than in Winona proper. On the other hand, Repinsky’s challenger, Democrat Dan Wilson, already has messaged that he will be hitting hard on the cruelty of ICE operations.
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