Minnesota Officials Call ‘Normal Guy’ Sign Transphobic
Minnesota officials accuse GOP candidate of transphobic messaging on campaign signs.
2 min read
Minnesota state Rep. David Gottfried and other officials have condemned a GOP candidate’s campaign signs that refer to him as a ‘Normal Guy, Normal Name,’ calling the phrase transphobic and potentially antisemitic.
Controversial Signage Sparks Outcry
A sign bearing the words ‘Normal Guy, Normal Name’ was reported on Snelling Avenue in Roseville, prompting a statement from Gottfried, along with state Sens. John Marty and Clare Oumou Verbeten, and Roseville City Council member Julie Strahan. The officials argued that the message targeted Rep. Leigh Finke, the first openly transgender woman in the Minnesota Legislature, and implied that her name, Finke, was not ‘normal.’
The statement highlighted the Jewish heritage of Finke’s surname, suggesting the sign crossed into antisemitism. However, the officials did not provide evidence that the phrase was intended as a reference to Jewish heritage. The group emphasized that hate has no place in Roseville and that degrading an elected official based on gender or name is unacceptable.
Concerns Over Representation
The officials raised concerns about whether the candidate, Mark Born, would represent all residents of the district fairly, given the message on his signs. They stated that Rep. Finke was duly elected and represents all constituents, regardless of their identity, and the new message raised serious doubts about Born’s ability to do the same.
Despite not knowing who added the messages to Born’s signs, the officials urged him to have them removed immediately, calling their continued presence an endorsement of bigotry. Gottfried praised Finke’s work in office, emphasizing her focus on issues and her commitment to her constituents.
Broader Implications
The incident has sparked broader conversations about the intersection of transphobia and antisemitism in political campaigns. While the officials did not confirm that Born or his campaign placed the signs, they called for swift action to ensure that all residents of House District 66A are represented fairly and without prejudice.
Source: Breitbart
