LEWISTON, Minn. — Sheriff’s deputies cleared protesters from the entrance to the Lewiston golf course where Congressman Brad Finstad was holding a closed meeting. There had been a complaint, unconfirmed, that the protesters had blocked the gravel road into the club. This was about 4:10 p.m. Advised of the complaint, the protesters kept their distance. Finstad, a Republican and Trump loyalist, has avoided public townhalls for months to avoid the embarrassment at being asked to explain his consistent support for Trump policies that polls show are underwater. To keep a step ahead of protesters, Finstad doesn’t publish his itinerary. He screens who is invited, keeps the gatherings small, limits access, and succeeds at chatty, friendly and nonconfrontational gatherings.
Earlier: Finstad home but skips glad-handing contacts
Heartland Country Club. Outside Lewiston in central Winona County. A nine-hole course with a converted barn as the clubhouse. Fits Finstad’s criteria for a low-profile, especially on weekdays.
