Not Minnesota nice: GOP congressman playing Tim Walz in debate prep with JD Vance argues he’s an ’empty suit’

Former Republican congressman Jason Lewis is not mincing his words when it comes to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Lewis, who is now playing Walz in debate preparation sessions with JD Vance, the GOP nominee for Senate in Ohio, described Walz as an "empty suit". Vance is preparing for a possible face-off with Walz, currently Minnesota's Democratic governor, if he decides to run for the Senate. Lewis, who lost a heated Senate race to incumbent DFL Sen. Tina Smith last year, is helping Vance understand Walz's debate strategies and rhetoric by playing the role of the governor during mock debates. Lewis called out Walz for his policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he believes are overly restrictive and have negatively impacted the state's economy and education system. He also criticized Walz's handling of the civil unrest last summer following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. This isn't the first time Lewis has leveled heavy criticism at Walz. However, his most recent comments stem from his work in helping Vance prepare for a potential campaign against the governor. Democrats, including those in Walz's camp, have dismissed Lewis's assertions, arguing that the governor's response to extraordinary circumstances has been effective, compassionate and based on science and health experts' advice. The debate over Walz's performance as a governor, thus, continues to be a contentious point in Minnesota's political landscape.