The widespread welfare fraud that has impacted Minnesota's state government will be a significant factor in the upcoming race for the U.S. Senate, according to House Majority Whip Tom Emmer. Emmer, R-Minn., stated that Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who secured the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, will be associated with the fraud that occurred under Gov. Tim Walz's administration.
"I think fraud is going to be the theme all the way through. Peggy Flanagan was there every step of the way," Emmer told Fox News Digital. "She is going be tainted by Tim Walz's disgusting reputation."
Emmer also suggested that both Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison would be a "weight" on Flanagan's campaign.
The scandal involves millions of taxpayer dollars allegedly swindled from Minnesota's state welfare programs, with issues dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit Feeding Our Future is at the center of the allegations, accused of submitting falsified data to the state while claiming to provide meals for students.
State officials flagged suspicions to the FBI in 2021. Since then, approximately 80 defendants, including Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock, have been indicted. Bock was sentenced earlier this year to 500 months in prison for a scheme that prosecutors estimate involved around $250 million in taxpayer funds.
Federal officials have also indicated that other programs, such as those supporting childcare, children with autism, and low-income housing, have been subjected to fraudulent activities. Federal authorities have accused state Democrats of not adequately addressing the fraud. Walz and Ellison, however, have contended that Republicans are exaggerating the scandal's scope for political purposes. The scrutiny surrounding the fraud led Walz to withdraw his bid for another term as governor.
During a recent debate between Flanagan and her primary opponent, Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., the issue of Flanagan's role in state government was raised. Craig stated, "The lieutenant governor, even as we sit here today, continues to take absolutely no accountability for any of the fraud issues, and she continues to blame the governor." Craig added, "And I'm going to be honest: It's pissing me off."
Emmer echoed these sentiments, asserting, "Fraud, incompetence and corruption — that is what the Walz administration has been known for. And she's been front and center in the Walz administration. She is right in the center of one of the biggest fraud scandals in America, right here in Minnesota."
Emmer also criticized Flanagan's policy positions, describing them as too far left for most Minnesotans. Flanagan is running against Republican Michele Tafoya, a former sports broadcaster.
Flanagan's campaign was contacted for comment by Fox News Digital.