A loyal reader of LFR just forwarded the following information to me:

First, most people don’t know who Jim Grabowska is. He’s the former head of the IFO, the union that represents professors in negotiations with the 7 universities in the MnSCU system.

Next, the district sounded familiar but I couldn’t put my finger on who represents that district so I went to the 2016 election results page for HD-23B. HD-23B is Tony Cornish’s former seat. Jeremy Munson won the special election to replace Cornish, winning with 60% of the vote. I’d be surprised if this is a close race if Munson works hard.

The same reader sent me Michael Willemsen’s campaign website. Apparently, Willemsen plans on running against Jeff Howe. The opening paragraphs of the website say everything I need to know:

Together we will stand up for all Minnesotans! Together we will tax the rich and protect our environment! Together we will co-create a just community for future generations through education and secular ethics! Volunteer, donate and vote Michael Willemsen for State Senate in the upcoming special election. Together we are the political revolution.

If he’s the only candidate, Jeff Howe will crush him. It’d also tell me that the DFL’s bench is essentially nonexistent in SD-13.

Nothing I’ve seen in these filings indicates that the DFL is capable of mounting a serious challenge in flipping the House or Senate.