Minnesota GOP adds fines and vetting to state convention in season of mayhem

Republican candidates in Minnesota need to prepare to follow new policies at the state’s GOP convention next month, as party leaders attempt to limit the number of attendees and apparently seek to ward off chaos that has seeped into county conventions.

Candidates vying to appear on the ballots will need to have campaign volunteers vetted before attending, and the Minnesota Republican Party will charge campaigns up to $30 per volunteer, according to proposed revisions by the state party.

“What that will lead to is a very rambunctious, wild convention that won’t bring people together,” said former GOP operative Michael Brodkorb, according to the Minnesota Reformer. “Every activist should feel good about the process … even if their candidate lost.”

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Campaigns would also be required to submit a list of the volunteers they plan to bring to the convention a week in advance. Additionally, party officials plan to ban groups or individuals who have publicly attacked the Minnesota Republican Party or its endorsed candidates, according to the proposed rules.

Charging for each volunteer who attends could be an effective way to force candidates into making serious decisions about who they want to bring, Brodkorb said. However, it can also create tension within the party and elicit concerns over transparency among attendees, as the reasoning behind the rules has been not explicitly stated and it’s not entirely clear how the rules will be enforced.

But Minnesota Republicans have reported a more chaotic convention season in local jurisdictions than in typical election years, likely prompting state leaders to implement precautions. Police responded to “unruly crowds” at the Morrison County Republican Convention in March after far-right activists disrupted proceedings.

State party leaders have said the proposed policies are not necessarily new, noting it’s typical for convention organizers to implement attendance fees to limit crowds.

“It is common practice to charge registration to convention attendees, including delegates, alternates, guests, and others,” a Minnesota GOP spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. “We’re committed to putting on a safe, secure, and successful convention for our delegates, guests, candidates, staff, and other attendees.”

The rules will be proposed to the convention’s rules committee and posted online before the convention for attendees to review. The party spokesman said the rules have not yet been finalized.

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The Minnesota primary election is set to take place on Aug. 9, with the Republican Party aiming to finalize candidates during its convention on May 13-14 in Rochester.