SLEEPY EYE — A smattering of Sleepy Eye area Republicans and Democrats learned about candidates, elected county convention delegates and adopted resolutions at Sleepy Eye Public School Tuesday.

Nearly two dozen Republicans listened to Brown County Republican Chairman Greg Bartz talk about 2020 political prospects.

“A Republican Presidential candidate hasn’t won in Minnesota since (Richard Nixon) in 1972 but Trump thinks he can take Minnesota,” Bartz. “He came within percentage points of winning Minnesota in 2016 spending zero money. There is talk he’ll spend $30 million in Minnesota. Sometimes I hear larger numbers. They’re trying to hire 90 to 100 staff people in Minnesota. He’s going to campaign here for some of our candidates like Jim Hagedorn. That’s something to get geared up for.”

The Brown County Republican Convention is Saturday, March 21 at the Brown County REA building. The First District Republican Convention is Saturday, April 21 at the Sleepy Eye Event Center. The Minnesota Republican Convention is May 15-16 in Rochester.

Approved Republican caucus resolutions included:

* Not considering a legislative vote without at least one vote from the dissenting party.

* Requiring taxpayer-funded institutions like airports broadcasting Fox News in addition to CNN news.

* Not infringing on the fundamental right of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, physical and mental health of his or her minor child. All parental rights should be reserved without obstruction or interference unless they have been legally terminated by a court of law.

* Opposing social justice instruction in school literature.

* Opposing comprehensive sex education.

* Opposing Drag Queen Story Hour in publicly-funded facilities or allowing Drag Queen events targeted at minors.

* Supporting road and bridge funding including upgrading U.S. Highway 14.

* No laws restricting the right to bear arms.

* Supporting the right to life from conception to natural death.

* Supporting green energy development while using and improving fossil fuels that agriculture and manufacturing require.

Lori Sellner was re-elected Brown County DFL Chairwoman. Paul Warshauer, Kamakshi Murthy and Jacklyn Hutchins were elected delegates for the county convention scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 7 in the New Ulm Public Library basement.

The First District DFL Convention begins at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 16 at Southwest Middle School, Albert Lea. The Minnesota DFL Convention is May 30-31 in Rochester.

Approved caucus DFL resolutions included urging the Minnesota Legislature and Gov. Tim Walz support:

* Rural economic development and high-paying clean energy jobs.

* Covering finance origination fees for distressed family farms seeking USDA Farm Service Agency loans.

* University of Minnesota Forever Green newly-developed cover crops.

* Recognizing only the national popular vote for president.

* An equitable, public education funding formula.

* Border to border broadband Internet.

* Support and encourage traditional family farming.

* Increased fine and performing arts funding.

* Increased SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) formerly known as food stamps, a federal entitlement program.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.