While the rise of Trump candidates is scary, it's worth noting that they're also a clear minority, and a shrinking one at that.

who tried to turn Minnesota into a cold Alabama, and almost succeeded. But that's exactly what the GOP wants, isn't it?

happen to Kasich if he had a primary for Ohio governor. It may be that all moderates will soon be chased out of the Republican party (I use the term moderate loosely). In today's GOP Bush II would be a moderate and Bush I would be a socialist.

But they are also becoming a fringe. Johnson will be easier for Walz to beat than Pawlenty might have been - even though as governor from 03-11 he sucked hard enough to bend light, he was still a big shot in the party and had the creds and name recognition Johnson doesn't have (the people in Minnesota who aren't Olsons or Nelsons are probably Johnsons).

I haven't seen a strong drive for an Independence Party candidate this time around.

he did not get a majority in either of his elections.

that many Republicans now view Pawlenty as a "Washington insider." A swamp thing, I suppose.

They can't do harm if they don't get votes there

The precinct I worked had 26% turnout, the state averaged 12% since 2000 for primaries. If the trend follows, it will be lights out for any GOPer running.

The most common gripe I saw in what were probably conservative voters was not needing to see their ID. There were some that were really annoyed that I didn't check their proffered ID. As if I were the person who decided the law.

First three letters of your last name, first three of your first name, what's your address? You are John Alvin Doe, 1234 Elm St, NE? Please sign this and take that over to the table over there to get your ballot. No, I don't need your ID, you did that when you registered to vote. If someone came in and said they were you and you already voted, this system would tell me that. If they came in first, I'd know when you came in and I've never seen either case.

(and in one case, "This is the 5th Congressional district. We don't care if it was the 6th 40 years ago, it is the 5th today. Take your receipt, go get your ballot and please keep your voice down. You are holding up the show." Not really, it was "If you take this to that table, they will get you your ballot." Over and over...)

It's harder than ever to come out of the mothballs and win a race. Campaigns need to be of the moment to win, even in Trumpland.

I'd be curious to know Timmy's numbers and relative support then.