FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — A key campaigning space for lawmakers and political candidates to interact with Minnesotans each year is adopting new security measures in the wake of the shootings of two state legislators and their spouses.
Minnesota lawmakers will see an enhanced security presence as they staff House and Senate booths at the State Fair. The changes come as the state weighs additional safety precautions at the Capitol following the killings of House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Tina Smith said the emotion of losing Melissa Hortman hits her at odd moments, like when she saw the crop art piece of the longtime Minnesota House lawmaker made out of seeds at the State Fair.
“I