The MNGOP Congressional district conventions have been underway in our state with CD1 and CD6 taking place today (5/4/24). Congressman Brad Finstad faced no opposition for the GOP Endorsement but CD6 was a whole other story. As a first-hand witness to the scam convention, it was clear that they feared the common man being allowed to challenge their beloved RINO Congressman and kicked him out of the convention hall!

Tom Emmer, who President Trump labeled a ‘Globalist RINO’ during his Speaker bid, was challenged only by one candidate, a grassroots conservative named Chris Corey. Chris submitted his nomination email to Chair Bobby Benson before the deadline and completed a conference call with the Nominations Committee (NomCom). Chris met every deadline and requirement set by the CD6 Constitution and Convention Rules. He figured that things would not be run fairly when they refused to give him the email list of delegates.

Chris was challenging Tom Emmer to provide conservatives with an America First option that would end the funding of Ukraine, cut spending, clean up our elections, and fight the corruption in DC. As a professional golf caddie for a living, Chris believes he would get along great with President Trump! He is a very likable, presentable, and smart guy who simply wanted to add his voice and challenge a career politician. Because he did not have the delegate email list, he was unable to introduce himself to most delegates before the convention. He was able to introduce his beliefs to delegates via the following flyer:

On Friday night, the night before the convention, Chris received a call from NomCom Chair Vince Beaudette who stated that Chris was deemed an “Unqualified Candidate”. Chris asked for the reasons and Vince stated that he was not qualified because he 1. Did not file with the FEC (which is not required by CD6 rules). 2. Did not do a Zoom call with the NomCom (also not required by CD6 rules and he did a conference call). And 3. Falsely claimed that Chris told them he could not raise the money (Chris vehemently denies that statement and argues the opposite). We suggested that Bobby Benson adds these fictitious rules and standards if he wants to enforce them.

Chair Bobby Benson, who is a longtime Emmer paid employee, is supposed to act as a neutral arbiter during conventions and not allow leadership to show favor. Benson is clearly a bad faith actor who is paid to support Tom Emmer. Should that kind of person be allowed to chair the Congressional Party and its Convention? There was a clear and present bias in the NomCom as well, evidenced by their speeches on the convention floor and prior endorsements for Emmer during this election cycle. 

Chris Corey was denied campaign credentials immediately by Bobby Benson, who used the corrupt nominations report to justify his actions. Corey stated he was going to fight, within the rules, to get his name added into nomination. Benson falsely claimed it could not be fought in the rules, to which Chris and I explained he was wrong. This attempt was an underhanded, parliamentarian argument that he was hoping would go over our heads. Unfortunately for Bobby, we could easily see through his tricks.

Three Patriots with spines of steel made a variety of motions to allow Chris to be nominated and simply give him the opportunity to speak and present his case. A number of other Patriot Delegates compared the Chris Corey removal to the various attempts to remove Trump from our ballots. Delegates also argued that giving him the opportunity to speak creates competition and prevents a complete coronation of Emmer. These attempts angered the establishment and they began presenting lies about Chris and the convention rules. The motions received around 25%-30% roughly from the voice and standing votes, with some delegates admitting privately that they would have voted differently if it were a secret ballot. At one point, the CD6 Parliamentarian Rep. Harry Niska stated that the motions were in order and could be done from the floor. This was perhaps the only sign of fairness all day from the CD6 Convention or Party leadership. 

Each motion was defeated after speeches were made that lied about Chris on several fronts, including one that questioned if he owned his home despite the fact that he never said a thing about home ownership! Also, this is irrelevant and it is not a requirement to run for Congress! Because they could not find anything on Chris, they tried to use that against him! To make matters worse, Chris was not allowed to speak at the convention at all and could not address the lies that were being thrown his way. It did not help matters when Walter Hudson asked delegates to support the censorship of Chris Corey and allow Emmer to be ushered in unopposed. Hudson also recently endorsed RINO Ron Kresha against Patriot Diane Webb-Skellings, showing a bad new pattern of Walter to protect RINO incumbents.

Following all the BS and hurdles, the rigged NomCom, and the three votes and speeches filled with lies; Chris was FED UP! He, his campaign advisor Tom Madden (and his son), and I began shouting at Bobby Benson and to the Convention delegates that the convention was corrupt! This can be seen here. Benson then demanded that we be removed. Corey's message had a strong amount of support, despite most delegates expecting to vote for a coronation of Emmer or No Endorsement. Several delegates thanked Chris for running, were excited to vote for him, and wished that they could’ve simply run a fair process.

Chris Corey is now considering a primary campaign against Emmer. Corey told the NomCom that he would abide by the endorsement if the process was fair. It was clear that this process was anything but fair. Corey’s campaign proves that common citizen Patriots are feared by the establishment and they do not want to be held accountable for their voting record. This race also proves that party units should not have leadership who is sold out to a candidate before an endorsement is even made! If 30% or so of delegates will oppose the establishment when its rigged, imagine what We The People could do on an even and fair playing field!