Moorhead Campaigners Promise to Fire Fraud Commissioners

Five days remain until election day, a window that Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michele Tafoya and gubernatorial challenger Lisa Demuth used Thursday to target fraud and business costs in Moorhead.

The two candidates converged on the city to hold meetings with local leaders. Their primary focus was the regulatory burden placed on families and small businesses.

Tafoya argued that state and federal rules need simplification. "Your lives need to be easier," she said. "It needs to be easier for you to start a business, build a business, expand a business."

Both Republicans identified fraud as their top legislative priority. Tafoya stated that specific legislation has already been drafted and that she intends to sign it. She also placed public safety high on her agenda.

Demuth went further, proposing immediate personnel changes if elected. She said she would fire all current commissioners and replace them with field experts. "By getting it under control, I will be firing all current commissioners and replacing them with individuals that are experts in the field, that will have accountability," Demuth said. She also promised immediate property tax relief.

The issue has drawn responses from the other side of the aisle as well. DFL Senate candidate and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan told Valley News Live that fraud is "completely unacceptable." Flanagan noted that she relies on public programs for her own survival. She highlighted her support for the Independent Office of Inspector General, which passed in the last legislative session, and called for harsher penalties.

The candidates concluded their stops by urging residents to vote on Tuesday. Demuth emphasized the stakes of the race. "We want to make sure that voters know how important this election is and that every single vote matters," she said.