Mass firings vow sparks clash with Klobuchar over Walz fraud legacy

The scandals have rocked the North Star State, raising questions about how large-scale abuse of state programs went undetected and putting government oversight at the center of the governor's race. The exchange underscored a central question in the race: how much change voters want when they choose Walz's successor on Nov. 3.

Demuth's Pledge

"Fraud unchecked here in the state of Minnesota has gone far too long, and it has finally come to the surface," Demuth said. "The thing that I will do on day one is I am going to be firing all commissioners, choosing new commissioners that are expert in their field, that will carry out the accountability and transparency that is needed in our state. We have to change the culture of fraud."

Klobuchar's Defense

Klobuchar called Demuth's remarks "absurd" and said she contacted U.S. Attorney Andy Luger after the fraud came to light to ask what prosecutors needed. "He said, 'I need more prosecutors'," Klobuchar said. "I called the highest level of the Justice Department, and I got him those prosecutors. She also said she would have caught the fraud earlier, while criticizing Walz's response. Tim Walz should have caught the fraud earlier and he should have done more," she said.

Walz's Legacy

The fraud scandals unfolded during Gov. Tim Walz's administration, putting state oversight and accountability under scrutiny in the race to succeed him. Klobuchar sought to distinguish herself from the outgoing governor while criticizing Demuth for not clearly separating herself from President Donald Trump. Demuth countered that Klobuchar had not identified specific policies on which she would break with Walz, whom Klobuchar has called an "incredible governor."