The Genius of Congressman Tom Emmer

By: Larry Gordon

The first time I met Congressman Tom Emmer (R-Minn) was the other night at a NORPAC event in Lawrence. Emmer is the majority whip in the House, and after listening to him for just a few minutes, it was clear that he’s a genius with an impressive grasp of the congressional map as it stands today and the prospects for Republicans in the November Midterm primaries, which amounts to a battle for control of Congress.

With redistricting in places like Virginia, Florida, and Texas, Emmer says that he likes Republicans’ chances to maintain a majority in the House going into 2027, though it will be close. He speaks without notes or a map in front of him, but you can see in his eyes that as he talks, he can see the congressional districts in his mind’s eye. He analyzes Texas and New Mexico without hesitation, and likes the way things look in Georgia, and adds that he thinks the Republicans will pick up an additional seat in Alabama.

He drifts over to Long Island, saying that he likes Mike LiPetri’s chances against Democrat incumbent, Tom Suozzi, adding that last year the party did not commit any real money to the Suozzi-LiPetri race and LiPetri lost by just a few percentage points. This year will be different, he says, and he likes the Republican’s chances in NY-4.

As a Minnesota Congressman, Tom Emmer is well acquainted with the characters in his state government, such as Governor Tim Walz and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Of Omar, he says, “She’s the most evil, hateful person I have ever met.” His comments and observations on all things political run the gamut.

About the proliferation of anti-Semitism, Emmer says that the matter concerns the Jewish people of course. But he adds that it’s not just about the Jews, but all of us and the threat to Western Civilization in general.

As far as the war with Iran, Congressman Emmer says, “We’re on the right side of history.” And he adds: “When you’re brought up to kill Jews, that is something you can’t fix.”

He says that the buzzword and the talk about affordability is nonsense, saying, “Elections are always about the economy.”

It was somewhat spellbinding to watch Mr. Emmer vocally taking us around the U.S. congressional map while commenting on where the Republicans are currently strong and where the party can do better.

Regarding Long Island, Emmer says that win or lose, the gubernatorial candidacy of Bruce Blakeman will help gain congressional seats in Nassau County, referring once again to Mike LiPetri in his race against Tom Suozzi.

The event took place the evening of the Texas Senate primary race, where challenger Ken Paxton handily defeated incumbent John Cornyn. Paxton was endorsed by President Trump.

I have yet to meet anyone with the familiarity and fluency of specific congressional races like Mr. Emmer. At this point, based on his analysis, it seems like things are hopeful for this country. 

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