Former Congressman Jason Lewis said it’s likely that he will make another run for public office in 2020 during an interview this week at Minnesota Farmfest.
“I’m looking at a lot of things and I think there is a sense that Minnesota is in play, certainly from the president’s re-elect, and I think there is a sense that some folks in Minnesota feel forgotten, especially in Greater Minnesota,” Lewis told KSTP during the Redwood County event.
“That’s why I’m out here as well, to talk to folks in rural Minnesota, which is really tough in some markets, in some towns and so somebody’s got to speak up for these folks,” Lewis added.
As with past interviews, Lewis gave the indication that he’s eyeing a statewide race as opposed to running against Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-02) for a third time. If Lewis takes this route, he’d be going up against Sen. Tina Smith, who’s already being targeted by the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
“I don’t have any inclination to go to Washington to keep a job and beat my head against the wall,” Lewis said in a June interview. “Where could you get the most done? Where could you have the most impact? There’s an argument for both sides. But certainly the Senate is becoming the last firewall to freedom, so that’s very important from my perspective.”
Lewis said he’ll continue to support President Donald Trump’s policies no matter where he ends up.
“You’re in for a penny, you’re in for a pound. I don’t think it pays to run away from a Trump presidency. And I told people I wasn’t going to do it. And I didn’t do it. And I wouldn’t do it in the future. I happen to agree with much of it,” he said.
Lewis ran into his two-time opponent during his visit to Farmfest.
“Look who I ran into—hope you enjoyed the sweet corn ice cream. Glad you were able to make it,” Craig wrote on Twitter.
Look who I ran into— hope you enjoyed the sweet corn ice cream, @Jason2CD. Glad you were able to make it! pic.twitter.com/Fv6BJ9gHRL
— Angie Craig (@AngieCraigMN) August 7, 2019
“Ha! No question Angie Craig everybody comes together for Minnesota Corn Growers ice cream during Farmfest. Now we just need to pass the USMCA,” Lewis replied.
The amicability between the two didn’t last long, though.
“Just saw your interview with Tom Hauser, and I’m a little confused. How did your vote against the 2018 Farm Bill help Greater Minnesota and rural America?” Craig tweet a few days later.
Lewis pointed out that he actually voted in favor of the House Farm Bill.
“So glad you asked. You mean of course my ‘aye’ vote on House Farm Bill (H.R. 2, roll call 434 on 6/21/18) with food stamp reform—which you still oppose. Now how does Angie Craig and Speaker Pelosi holding up USMCA vote help farmers who need markets? Yep, you must be confused,” Lewis replied.
So glad you asked. You mean of course my ‘aye’ vote on House Farm Bill (H.R. 2, roll call 434 on 6/21/18) with FOOD STAMP REFORM—which you still oppose. Now how does @AngieCraigMN & Speaker Pelosi holding up #usmca vote help farmers who need markets? Yep, you must be confused. https://t.co/P2MccfQj38
— Jason Lewis (@LewisForMN) August 10, 2019
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue made an appearance at this year’s Farmfest and participated in a town hall alongside Reps. Dean Phillips (D-MN-03), Collin Peterson (D-MN-07), and Craig. The full event can be watched below:
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of Battleground State News, The Ohio Star, and The Minnesota Sun. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
