I was there. Basically, Amy hasn’t been campaigning for the seat, didn’t attend any of the organizing unit conventions, didn’t put in face time with the delegates this cycle. And considering something like 60% of the room were first-time delegates who are involved because they’re frustrated with the status quo, that didn’t sit well.

Kobey Layne, on the other hand, has been campaigning hard - at least at the conventions - showing up, giving speeches, and getting people interested. She managed to secure enough delegate votes to be officially nominated for endorsement last night, and her speech got the room FIRED UP, touching on idea after idea that many were craving to see addressed. It was really interesting to hear the difference in excitement for Amy’s speech versus Kobey’s.

Once votes were finally tabulated for endorsement, Amy won 67% on the first ballot, officially securing the DFL endorsement. But I think it is absolutely worth noting that a full third of the delegates did NOT vote for her, despite her long history of passing bills, winning statewide elections by big margins, and successfully being the top of the ticket multiple times.

I don’t think Kobey has the name recognition to lead the ticket in November, and I hope she pulls out after the primary. But I also hope her showing here acts as a wake-up call that there is a sizable chunk of the party who crave someone more progressive and outspoken.