Demuth got 19 of 44 straw ballot votes cast. Kendall Qualls received nine votes. Getting four votes each were Scott Jensen, Mike Lindell, and Kristin Robbins. Three votes were undecided. Congressman Brad Finstad of New Ulm got a write-in vote.

Caucus participants elected county convention delegates, alternates and listed resolutions after the gubernatorial straw poll.

“We’ve all read about the rampant fraud that’s been happening in Minnesota,” said Brown County Republicans Finance Chairman Scott Waldner. “We have the opportunity this fall to elect a new governor, U.S. Senator and all the State Constitutional Offices. It’s been many years since Republicans held those positions. I don’t know if we’ll ever have a better opportunity. We also have the chance to re-elect U.S. Congressman Brad Finstad. A new District 15B State Representative and District 15 State Senator will soon be endorsed.”

He said people are worried about making a living, safety due to things going on in the Twin Cities.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Brown County Republican Finance Chairman Scott Waldner, left, leads the New Ulm Republican Caucus at the New Ulm Community Center Tuesday.

“People want to feel safe and have a safe place to raise their families. They want law and order,” said Waldner. “They want good school systems, a good business community, worship as they choose. We need a healthy, stable farm community.”

Brown County Republican board member Bryce Boelter talked about his wishes.

“I hope everybody who comes out this evening has caring thoughts about who they want to elect, how they want to participate and how they’re willing to give to their community, state and country,” he said. “We have to shore things up. We need people who care about what’s going on, not just care about the next news and voice climb. The number of likes and clicks has gotten out of control. People are empowered now by like-minded thinkers instead of clever thoughts.”

District 15B Rep. Paul Torkelson of Hanska said people get into “echo chambers and just listen to people who reinforce their thoughts and don’t think broadly.”

He said he’s proud to support Lisa Demuth for governor.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Brown County Republican Finance Chairman Scott Waldner leads the New Ulm Republican Caucus at the New Ulm Community Center Tuesday.

“We’ve worked together for the past three years. I’m proud to support her. I’m very impressed with her management ability and leadership style,” said Torkelson. “She’s A-1 in my book. I like the way she keeps her composure and treats people fairly. She’s a good, solid conservative.”

He said so far, one candidate, Redwood Falls real estate broker Geri Theis, announced her candidacy for the District 15B seat that covers Brown and Redwood County and western Blue Earth County.

“She feels she had the time to do the job. Her husband is a Redwood County Commissioner,” said Torkelson. “I believe she’ll make a fine candidate. She’s a good, solid, pro-life conservative. She speaks well and is a lot better looking than I am.”

In a letter to caucus attendees, Sen. Dahms wrote that there are many issues focusing on fraud and abuse in Minnesota.

“I want to rein in Gov. Walz’ irresponsible overreach and ensure your individual rights are protected,” he wrote. “As a senator. I’m focused on finding practical solutions to the problems facing Minnesota families, businesses, and local governmental units. It’s been an honor to represent our shared values in the Minnesota Senate for 16 years. I thank you for your continued support. I will fight for the common sense policies that Minnesotans deserve and expect from their government.”