 Campaign 2018 is in full swing, and over the weekend many local Republicans and Democrats held their county conventions. For Beltrami County Democrats, 2018 is a chance to try and win back the House seats they lost in 2016. After the last election, area Democrats are coming together to try and win back the seats they lost to Republicans in 2016. With multiple seats from local to the national level up for reelection, Beltrami County Democrats are looking to flip seats held by Republicans. It is going to be an absolutely epic midterm here in our state, an open governor's seat, two senators, several very competitive House seats at the U.S. House of Representatives, and a real chance to flip the Minnesota House. We need just 11 seats. 99 delegates and seven alternates are seated on the convention floor where they heard from local candidates for the first time that are looking to unseat their Republican opponents. One of those seats Democrats would like to flip is in District 2A where candidate Soren Sorenson called out his Republican opponent, Matt Grossel, on gun control issues. I really think that the way that Matt Grossel brandishes these assault weapons on his own Facebook is offensive and is not representative of our values. Another seat Democrats are hoping to gain this fall is House seat 5A. Former 5A State Representative John Grossel is looking to take back his House seat that he lost to Representative Matt Bliss in 2016. Grossel spoke to Democrats about having to work with Republicans to get things done. Part of what we have to do to govern in Minnesota is understand what our opponents are doing and thinking and then we've got to come with our progressive values in advance our issues. But Grossel will have to work for his party's endorsement since he is facing off with Beltrami County Commissioner Reid Olson who says he's bringing a new energy to the party. I bring a lot of energy to a campaign and I wouldn't be doing this right now if I didn't think I could win. John is a great guy. If John gets endorsement I will be knocking doors for him but this is I think an opportunity to get someone new into the seat. Beltrami County Democrats will meet again on April 21st when they endorse their candidates to officially run against their Republican opponents. Now coming up on March 17th Beltrami County Republicans will hold their convention at Northern Elementary School in Bemidji.