Klobuchar and Demuth clash over Minnesota fraud scandal in gubernatorial debate

In a business forum organized by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Republican state House Speaker Lisa Demuth faced off for the first time in the race to succeed Gov. Tim Walz. Demuth centered the discussion on the massive pandemic-era welfare fraud that has siphoned hundreds of millions, possibly billions, from state and federal programs, accusing Klobuchar of not pressing the governor harder.

Klobuchar responded that she immediately contacted the Justice Department, leading to more federal prosecutors being assigned, and that she had participated in numerous hearings, though not the specific subcommittee mentioned. The candidates also debated health-care affordability, with Demuth blaming the Affordable Care Act and Klobuchar defending her support for it. Both agreed tax hikes are off the table, with Demuth promising to fire all state commissioners to reset the administration. The contest unfolds as polls show Klobuchar with a modest lead and the race rated as likely Democratic by political analysts.