24 October 2024
There are less than 3 weeks until Election Day! Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin are three of the seven states in the nation to watch for flips of legislative control. But there are important issues and candidates on the ballot in all the states in our region. Find out what you need to know in your state, below!
Minnesota:
Federal
Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) is the Vice-Presidential nominee, appearing on the ballot with current Vice President and presidential candidate, Kamala Harris.
The U.S. Senate in Minnesota race pits incumbent U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) against GOP challenger Royce White, a former professional basketball player. Klobuchar should win comfortably and has been a member of the U.S. Senate since 2007.
There are some U.S. House of Representatives races that are attracting national attention in Minnesota, most notably the state’s Second Congressional District where U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D-MN) faces off against Joe Teirab, a Marine and former federal prosecutor.
The Third Congressional District seat is now open after Rep. Dean Phillips announced he would not seek re-election to the House following his failed presidential bid. State Senator Kelly Morrison (D-MN) is the heavy favorite to win the seat. She is running against GOP candidate Tad Jude, a former judge.
State
All 134 Minnesota House seats are on the ballot this fall, with the results set to determine whether the Democrats maintain a hold on the chamber or lose the majority to the GOP. Republicans can flip control of the chamber by flipping 4 seats. Both parties have their focus centered on a slim list of competitive districts. Here are a few of them:
House District 3B — Democrats are hoping to win back a legislative seat for a swath of towns that hug the Duluth metro and run far into St. Louis County. Republican Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar flipped the seat in 2022 to GOP by just 33 votes. In 2024, Zeleznikar is trying to fend off a challenge from Democrat Mark Munger, a former judge.
House District 41A — Democrats are hoping to pick up a seat in the district that encompasses eastern suburbs Lake Elmo, Afton, Lakeland, Grant and part of Cottage Grove, among others. Republican Rep. Mark Wiens is stepping down after a single term. Republican Wayne Johnson and Democrat Lucia Wroblewski are vying for the seat.
House District 41B —The other half of the Senate district is held by Republicans for now, but the incumbent is not running again. The contest is between Republican Tom Dippel and Democrat Jen Fox. The district includes parts of Hastings and Cottage Grove, as well as Nihinger and Denmark Townships.
House District 7B — Three-term Democratic Rep. Dave Lislegard is stepping down from his seat, setting up a contest in the Iron Range district between Democrat Lorrie Janatopoulos and Republican Cal Warwas. Republicans see the seat as a pickup opportunity because the other half of the Senate district is represented by Republican Rep. Spencer Igo and GOP Sen. Robert Farnsworth, who prevailed in a 2022 race. More than $69,000 in independent expenditure funds have flowed into the contest so far. It’s one of the few seats in the state that a Democrat won despite Republicans faring better in statewide and federal races.
House District 26A — Both parties are vying for the Winona area seat previously held by longtime Democratic Rep. Gene Pelowski, who wasn’t shy about breaking with his party over the years on social issues. Pelowski is retiring after this year, creating a closely watched open-seat race. Democrat Sarah Kruger faces Republican Aaron Repinski in the contest. Republican Sen. Jeremy Miller holds the District 26 seat in the Senate and Rep. Greg Davids, also a Republican, represents District 26B.
For the Minnesota Senate, there will also be a special election held for a Lake Minnetonka-area seat being vacated by Morrison (see above) due to her run for Congress. Former State Senator Ann Johnson Stewart will be attempting a political comeback this fall as she was paired with Morrison during 2022 redistricting. She faces Kathleen Fowke, who ran against Morrison in 2022.
If they maintain control of the Morrison seat, Democrats will retain control of the Minnesota Senate 34-33. If Fowke wins, Republicans would flip control of the chamber.
To see all MN races click here
Does Minnesota offer early voting?
You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
When can I vote early?
In Minnesota, dates and times vary by where you live. Find when to vote.
Where can I vote early?
Early voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Minnesota's site to find where to vote early.
What do I need to bring?
You do not need to show ID to vote in Minnesota if your voter registration is current and active.
Wisconsin:
State
The Wisconsin Assembly is perhaps the most interesting legislative chamber in this election. Republicans have controlled the legislature in Wisconsin since 2010 and currently hold a 64-35 seat majority in the Assembly. But Lawmakers adopted a new map earlier this year, which should give Democrats a shot at significantly diminishing the GOP’s majorities in the chamber if not flipping control entirely. Only half of the Senate seats are up for election this year.
Federal
Wisconsin is considered a battleground state in the presidential race, attracting significant attention from both the Trump and Harris campaigns. Trump won the state in 2016, but Biden carried it in 2020. Recent polling shows that this state will be close, so make sure you plan to vote.
Another marquee race this cycle is the U.S. Senate race between incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and entrepreneur Eric Hovde. Republicans are eyeing this seat as the aim to flip control of the U.S. Senate to their control. Polling also shows this race is narrowing and could be close.
Of the eight congressional races on the ballot across the state, only western Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District, which includes Eau Claire, La Crosse, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids and Prairie du Chien is expected to be competitive as Democrats look to flip control of the House.
Incumbent, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), is racing off against Democrat, Rebecca Cooke. Republicans only picked up this seat in 2022 after it was held by former Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) for several years.
Wisconsin has a Constitutional Amendment initiative on the ballot. Here’s the question:
Eligibility to vote. Shall section 1 of article III of the constitution, which deals with suffrage, be amended to provide that only a United States citizen age 18 or older who resides in an election district may vote in an election for national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum?
Currently, this section of the state constitution says “every” U.S. citizen may vote. The proposed amendment would change the language to “only” U.S. citizens.
It’s already true that only citizens may vote in Wisconsin. But the Republicans authors of the proposal say this change is necessary as a preventative measure, because some states have allowed non-U.S. citizens to vote in local elections. Opponents of the proposed constitutional amendment say that it stigmatizes immigrants and noncitizens, and feeds into misinformation around election security.
Voting yes means you support adding an amendment to Wisconsin’s constitution that says only U.S. citizens who are 18+ years old can vote.
Voting no means you oppose such an amendment.
If the amendment is approved, it's unclear how it would be enforced. The amendment does not say how the legal requirements for voting would change, if at all.
When can I vote early?
In Wisconsin, dates and times vary by where you live. Find when to vote.
Where can I vote early?
Early voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day.
Check Wisconsin's site to find where to vote early.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show a photo ID to vote in Wisconsin.
North Dakota:
Federal
Donald Trump is expected to win the state and there are no U.S. Senate contests this year.
However, incumbent Rep. Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL) is running for Governor, and Julie Fedorchak (R), a member of the North Dakota Public Service Commission, is running against Trygve Hammer, a Democrat for the seat. Fedorchak is expected to win.
Key Ballot Measures in North Dakota
IM 4 would prohibit the state and local governments from levying the property tax, requiring the state to replace the local revenue. (The state has not planned for this and would likely have to increase another tax to come up with this money).
Does North Dakota offer in-person voting?
When can I vote in person before Election Day?
Where can I vote in person before Election Day?
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show ID to vote in North Dakota. Your identification must include your name, current residential street address, and date of birth.
Acceptable forms include:
8 October 2024
Boost your business in 2025—HPBExpo25 is coming to New Orleans, March 26-29! It’s more than a convention; it’s where the future of hearth, barbecue, and outdoor living comes to life. Be among the first to explore the newest products and innovations, experience more live demos than ever before, taste the results of cutting-edge technology, and connect with best-known leaders in the industry—all within the vibrant culture of New Orleans.
Badge Registration
Attendee badge registration opened on Monday, September 30. Click here for more details.
Why Attend HPBExpo25?
Book Your Hotel Early
With New Orleans abuzz year-round, hotel rooms are filling up fast. In fact, 135% more attendees have already booked their hotel reservations compared to last year’s event in Nashville. Other citywide events will also be taking place, so we strongly recommend booking your hotel now to ensure you have a spot close to all the action.
Why Book Within the Block?
Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable experience at HPBExpo25—where hearth, barbecue, and outdoor living come to life in ways you’ve never seen before! Save the date and get ready to Bring The Good Times Home!
See you in New Orleans!
11 March 2024
8 November 2023
Hello North Central HPBA Members,
I hope you have all had a great start to the new season. Hopefully the early snow helped many of you. We have quite a bit going on and a lot of great things happening here in NCHPBA! First, we’d like to congratulate Karen Teske-Osborn on her retirement! KTO has given NCHPBA 27 very dedicated years, and we all wish her the best of luck and health as she enjoys some well-deserved time off. KTO, thankyou for all you have done for NCHPBA and our industry!
The NCHPBA board has hired Karen Arpino to be the new Executive Director of the North Central region. Karen comes to us from industry, she is the Executive Director for the Northeast Region which is made up of New England and New York. She went to college at Purdue University and spent quite a bit of time in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa during those years. Although she admits it’s been over 20 years since she has been to this part of the country, she is very much looking forward to visiting us soon, in fact, visiting both Dakota’s and enjoying a Bloody Mary at Sobelman’s Bar in WI are both on her bucket list!
Along with this transition, we’ll be introducing electronic invoices and the option for credit card payments through our brand-new website, northcentralhpba.org. Please check it out! You’ll be able to renew or join online, register for events, and keep up-to-date on all the industry news in our region and nationally.
Speaking of events:
Save the date for our annual event at Chula Vista, May 19-21, 2024. We are looking forward to seeing you all there. But we hope to see you at HPBExpo in Nashville, TN, Feb 13-15, 2024, first!
We’ve also updated the NCHPBA social media pages, please “like, follow and share!” We’ll be posting here regularly throughout the week, and we’d love to share your business news here too. Send us funny pics, job listings, new hires, milestones, success stories, new NFI certifications, or information on events you may be hosting. We’ll post them for you!
There are a couple of housekeeping items of note.
Keep a lookout for our newsletters, invoices, HPBExpo information, Government Affairs updates, Save-the-Date information and more!
Enjoy the season, and feel free to reach out to Karen, any of the board members, or me with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Joe Holland
President, NCHPBA
12 October 2023
Illegal Ban Could Devastate Businesses, Trigger Higher Prices, and Jeopardize the Electric Grid
Coalition of Businesses and Labor Say “Enough is Enough”
Plaintiffs Support the Transition to Greener Energy – But This Policy Is Tasked to the Federal Government, Not the States
Similar Law Struck Down in Berkeley, California
Albany, New York, (October 12, 2023) --- A coalition representing businesses and workers filed a lawsuit in Federal Court in the Northern District of New York today, accusing New York State of violating federal law by banning gas appliances and infrastructure in new buildings beginning December 31, 2025.
The suit seeks to declare the ban invalid and to block its enforcement on the grounds that it is preempted by federal energy law, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA).
The suit is filed on behalf of businesses and workers who will feel the effects of this law. The plaintiffs include: Mulhern Gas Company; Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island; National Association of Home Builders; New York State Builders Association; National Propane Gas Association; New York Propane Gas Association; Northeast Hearth Patio & Barbecue Association; Holmes Mechanical; Master Plumbers Council of New York; IBEW Local 1049; Plumbers Local 200; IBEW Local 97; and TWU Local 101.
The unintended consequences of this illegal law are widespread and could negatively affect residents and communities from Niagara to Riverhead. Those effects could include:
New York’s gas ban is preempted by federal law, is contrary to the public interest, and harms plaintiffs and the members they represent.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in California unanimously struck down a similar gas infrastructure ban in Berkeley, California. The court held that Berkeley’s ban on gas piping concerned the energy use of appliances covered by the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act and was therefore illegal.
“Our clients are strong supporters of the State’s climate goals, but the ban puts our clients and their members at risk,” said Sarah Jorgensen, counsel for plaintiffs. “A mandate banning gas now is not reasonable or affordable, when New York’s grid is already overburdened. And regardless, New York must comply with the law.” Courtland Reichman, counsel for plaintiffs and RJLF’s Managing Partner, also noted that “a patchwork system for national energy policy is unworkable. Nationally uniform standards on energy use and energy efficiency are the best way to promote conservation goals while ensuring energy security, domestic supply, and consumer choice.”
"Tens of thousands of hard-working people in the national gas industry depend on their jobs. We embrace the goals of the CLCPA, and we support making the changes necessary to combat climate change. As a Business Manager, I am committed to advocating for the hardworking members of IBEW Local 1049. Their unwavering support and trust in me compel me to protect their invaluable jobs tirelessly. I am proud to safeguard their interests with utmost passion and dedication," said Pat Guidice, Business Manager, IBEW Local 1049.
“Hundreds of plumbers on Long Island rely on new construction to feed their families and pay their mortgages. This illegal law has basically ripped the rug out from underneath them. It’s not about ‘what if’ things turn negative. We are already seeing new construction leave Long Island. We are in full support of a green economy, but we should talk about how to transition without ruining lives. Our message to the lawmakers who passed this bill without thinking of our 600 members and their families on Long Island: enough is enough,” said Jimmy Russo, President of the Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island.
“Local 200 and its members lead Long Island in the installation of cutting-edge gas technologies, including those related to gas installations in homes, hospitals, and commercial facilities. Natural gas is an essential transitional fuel that will help our nation as we move to greener energy sources. Our energy economy is in transition and federal law has set the standards that are guiding our industry. New York’s gas ban will unnecessarily hurt New York workers by removing our members’ jobs at time when we are already leading the nation in the expansion of alternative energy for New York residents. Local 200 stands with our members and joins this action to ensure the energy transition is completed via a unified national program and not an ad-hoc, state-by-state basis,” said Richard Brooks, Business Manager, Plumbers Local Union No. 200.
“There won’t be a ‘just transition’ to a greener economy for NYC’s blue-collar utility workers if this rushed ban on gas appliances and service goes into effect. New York will be destroying good union jobs that sustain working families in neighborhoods across the outer boroughs today and will be needed to sustain them the future. And the truth is New York’s electrical grid is not even close to being prepared for this forced changeover to an all electric NYC and state. Until the grid has the capacity to run an all-electric New York, this is simply not good policy. In fact, it is a betrayal of working New Yorkers,” said Constance Bradley, President, TWU Local 101.
“My family has worked for the people of the Hudson Valley for over a century. We have worked in blizzards, heatwaves, and tropical storms to deliver, install, and service propane equipment. Now, we have no idea what the future holds. We agree that a greener economy is necessary, but we must figure out how to implement a smooth transition that does not unnecessarily raise costs and impose burdens on families,” said Rick Cummings from Mulhern Gas Co.
The case is Mulhern Gas Co. v. Rodriguez in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York.
About Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP
Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP (RJLF) is an elite national trial firm that handles high-stakes commercial litigation, intellectual property, climate change litigation, and white collar disputes. From offices in Silicon Valley, New York, Washington, D.C., Austin, and Atlanta, the firm tries cases and argues appeals throughout the country. For more information, visit www.reichmanjorgensen.com.
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