On a brisk, breezy November morning, a large group of dedicated citizens from Fillmore, Houston, and Winona counties gathered outside the now-closed health care facility in Caledonia. “We were there to protest against the closing of the clinic, and to protest Congressman Brad Finstad’s lack of support for rural health care all across Congressional District 1,” Winona County DFL Chair Jim Worthley said.

The rally was upbeat as over forty people listened to speeches made by Michael Todd and Lynn Carlson, the two DFL candidates vying for State Senate District 26 this year. “Both candidates addressed the need for better health care for rural citizens,” said Worthley.   A member of Jake Johnson’s CD1 campaign team also spoke, telling the crowd that one of Jake’s top priorities was to be an advocate in Washington for strong health care for rural areas of the district.  “That’s not happening now,” said Worthley, “You don’t see Brad Finstad here.  Clearly we need better representation.”

A very positive response came from drivers passing by, who honked their car horns and gave thumbs up in support of the group’s effort.