WINONA, Minn. – Reaction generally was predictable around Minnesota to Donald Trump’s dubious new status as the first U.S. president in history to be a convicted felon. Thus was after a Manhattan jury unanimously found Trump guilty on 34 counts for election fraud in a tawdry cover-up of hush money during his failed 2020 campaign for re-election. Among reaction:
> David Hann, state GOP chair: “This decision is a significant moment in our nation’s history, and it raises serious concerns about the fairness and impartiality of our judicial system. We stand with former President Trump and will continue to support efforts to ensure that his and all Americans’ rights are respected and upheld.”
> Jeremy Munson, of Lake Crystal, former MN1 congressional candidate, a Republican: “Is this when we’re supposed to loot?”
> Tina Liebling, of Rochester, a state legislator for District 24-B, a Democrat, hit hard at Republicans who criticized the jury: “To undermine the service of those 12 people, to undermine this process is just, really beyond the pale. I would just like to call on Republicans to actually defend our country and its judiciary.”
> Tom Emmer, of Delano, MN-6 member of Congress, a Republican, and Trump stalwart: “The American people won’t forget this corrupt, two-tiered system of justice and will issue the real verdict at the ballot box in November.”
> Pete Stauber, of Hermantown, MN-8 member of Congress, a Republican: “Americans will release their own verdict this November on Joe Biden’s sham administration. We must unite behind Donald Trump to save America and stop this political witch hunt once and for all.”
> Michelle Fischbach, of Woodbury, MN-7 member of Congress, a Republican: “The American people are rightfully seeing through the attempt to abuse the judicial system against political opponents.”
> Betty McCollum, of St. Paul, MN-4 member of Congress, a Democrat: “Today our system of justice worked. No person is above the law.”
NOTE: This article will be expanded as further reaction is voiced. Please check back.