Vice President Mike Pence arrives in Minnesota ahead of tax bill rally

He will herald Trump tax cuts in event with fellow Republicans on Wednesday in Mpls.

March 28, 2018 at 10:39PM

Vice President Mike Pence spent a night in Minnesota where he will raise money for Republicans ahead of a Wednesday morning rally in Minneapolis aimed at spreading the GOP's campaign message.

"On our way to talk about the Trump tax cuts: The American economy is booming under @POTUS Trump — and we're just getting started," Pence said on Twitter en route from North Dakota, where he appeared on Tuesday.

Pence arrived at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and traveled to a fundraiser in Golden Valley, which was not open to the press.

Pence will deliver remarks Wednesday morning at an event called "Tax Cuts to Put America First," at the Minneapolis Convention Center at 9:30. Republican U.S. Reps. Erik Paulsen, Tom Emmer and Jason Lewis were scheduled to participate.

Before Pence even arrived, DFL Chairman Ken Martin greeted him with a political attack: "Pence is descending on Minnesota to peddle the GOP's tax scam," Martin said in a statement. "This bill is Robin Hood in reverse. It takes from hardworking Minnesotans to give massive tax breaks to the wealthy."

National Republicans are paying close attention this year to Minnesota, which will feature two U.S. Senate races, as well as four competitive U.S. House contests that could determine control of Congress.

Republicans hope Pence will fire up the GOP base in President Donald Trump's first midterm election, in what figures to be a difficult political environment.

The opposition party has won congressional seats during five of the past six presidents' first terms, with the exception of President George W. Bush in 2002.

President Barack Obama's party suffered a landslide in 2010 that delivered control of the U.S. House to Republicans.

Republicans hope economic growth, low unemployment and fatter paychecks from the tax cut Trump signed last year will translate into votes in November.

They are also likely to enjoy a campaign cash advantage that Pence will add to during his time here.

Democrats are sunny about their voters' enthusiasm, strong candidate recruitment and a chance to run against Trump as he continues to be dogged by investigations and scandals.

Supporters shook hands with Vice President Mike Pence after his arrival Tuesday at the Minnesota National Guard's 934th Airlift Wing.
Supporters shook hands with Vice President Mike Pence after his arrival Tuesday at the Minnesota National Guard's 934th Airlift Wing. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Vice President Mike Pence waved to the crowd of guests waiting to greet him at the Minnesota National Guard's 934th Airlift Wing on Tuesday afternoon.
Vice President Mike Pence waved to the crowd of guests waiting to greet him at the Minnesota National Guard's 934th Airlift Wing on Tuesday afternoon. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Vice President Mike Pence will deliver remarks Wednesday morning at an event called "Tax Cuts to Put America First," at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Vice President Mike Pence delivers remarks at an America First Policies event, as part of a series called “Tax Cuts to Put America First” at the Loews Atlanta Hotel on Friday, March 23, 2018. Pence makes a similar appearance in Minneapolis on Wednesday, March 28. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Supporters posed for photos with Vice President Mike Pence after his arrival at the Minnesota National Guard ñ 934th Airlift Wing Tuesday afternoon. ] JEFF WHEELER ï jeff.wheeler@startribune.com Vice President Mike Pence arrived in Minneapolis Tuesday evening, March 27, 2018 for a fundraiser tonight and an address he will give in the morning at an event called ìTax Cuts to Put America First,î at the Minneapolis Convention Center. He arrived at the Minnesota National Guard &#x
Supporters posed for photos with Vice President Mike Pence after his arrival Tuesday afternoon in Minnesota. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Vice President Mike Pence stood on the running board of his limo to wave goodbye to the supporters who welcomed him after his arrival at Minnesota National Guard ñ 934th Airlift Wing. ] JEFF WHEELER ï jeff.wheeler@startribune.com Vice President Mike Pence arrived in Minneapolis Tuesday evening, March 27, 2018 for a fundraiser tonight and an address he will give in the morning at an event called ìTax Cuts to Put America First,î at the Minneapolis Convention Center. He arrived
Vice President Mike Pence waved goodbye to the supporters who met him at MSP Airport’s 934th Airlift Wing terminal. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

J. Patrick Coolican

Reporter

See More

More from Politics

card image

Our mission this election cycle is to provide the facts and context you need. Here’s how we’ll do that.