 Having a unified message and a shared message was the topic of a roundtable discussion among Democrats as DFL Chairman Ken Martin made a stop in Bemidji today. Martin along with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Paul Teeson listened to community members about issues that are important to their families and how the DFL party can work together to improve the lives of all Minnesotans. It was discussed that since 2016 election there has been a resurgence in the party's base from the local to the national level. What we're seeing is a lot of regular people. People who don't even consider themselves Democrats are now coming out of the woodwork and getting involved because they're really deeply concerned and frustrated with the direction that we're headed in this country and here in this state. And so I'm buoyed by all that energy. I feel positive that we'll be able to harness it and hopefully you know that will result in victories next November. In September the Belchamie County DFL will hold a progressive message framing and conversation skills workshop where they will look at why liberals and conservatives take the positions they do and what progressives need to stop doing to be successful. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland news please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland public television.