321 votes. That's how many votes my friend Tom Dippel lost his 2022 race for Minnesota State Senate District 41 by. If Tom had won this race, the DFL would not have the majority in the Minnesota Senate.

In 2022 Minnesota was no bastion of conservatism. But at least weed was illegal, licensed counselors were allowed to talk with people looking to transition away from woke craziness, and only citizens had driver's licenses. We even had a 17.5-billion-dollar surplus! In the last four years those 321 votes gave democrats the majority to pass the following nonsense (and this is only a sample!):

1. HF1The PRO ActWrote an unlimited "fundamental right" to abortion into state law with no exceptions.
2. HF146Trans Refuge / Gender-Affirming Care ActMade Minnesota a "sanctuary" for out-of-state minors seeking gender procedures.
3. HF16Conversion Therapy BanBarred licensed counselors from helping minors or vulnerable adults move away from a gender identity or same-sex attraction.
4. HF100Recreational MarijuanaLegalized adult-use cannabis and created the Office of Cannabis Management to regulate and tax it.
5. HF2Paid Family & Medical LeaveCreated a mandatory state-run leave program funded by a new payroll tax on every worker and employer—and it's been a nightmare, especially for small businesses.
6. HF4Driver's Licenses for Illegal ImmigrantsAllowed anyone to obtain a driver's license regardless of immigration status.
7. HF7100% Carbon-Free Electricity by 2040Forced utilities onto a costly green-energy mandate (excluding nuclear from the interim renewable target), with consumers footing the bill.
8. HF3"Democracy for the People" ActAdded automatic voter registration, along with other changes to election and campaign-finance law.
9. HF28Restore the VoteRestored voting rights to people with felony convictions once they complete any term of incarceration.
10. HF1938The Budget & Tax BillThe 2023 omnibus tax bill, passed inside a budget that grew state spending by roughly 40%—to about $72 billion—and blew through a $17.5 billion surplus.

Maybe you've moved on so fast you forgot Minnesota's folly gained so much ground in the last four years. We'll be reaping the bad fruit of those bills for decades. That's the difference 321 votes make.

Christians in Minnesota should be fighting against all that sin and foolishness and looking to rebuild the ruins of what's left. We find ourselves in a situation much like Nehemiah's men: sword in one hand, shovel in the other (Neh 4:17). So, here's my challenge: don't complain the wall isn't built if you haven't laid any bricks.

This year is another election cycle—another chance to lay some bricks on the wall and help rebuild the ruins of what sin has destroyed. It's easy to bemoan the insanity of the liberals. As a rule, conservatives are expert bemoan-ers. But angrily reading Alpha News articles isn't going to change this year's election results. The trouble with conservatives is that we just want to live peaceful, quiet lives. Here's the truth: if you want your kids to live a peaceful quiet life in Minnesota, you're going to have to fight now.

I don't plan to surrender my state to the liberal insanity it's been subjected to my whole lifetime. So, I asked Tom Dippel what it would take to get him those 321 votes this year. Go lay some bricks.

Go lay some bricks

A few ways to help before November 3. First, check whether you live in District 41.

• Knock on doors

  The campaign door knocks Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., through November 3. Locations are shared a day or two ahead; if you want a specific area, just ask.

  Sign up through Tom's campaign →
• Make calls

  Phone constituents and remind them to vote. Turnout will decide this race. Reach the campaign to get plugged in.

• Endorse good candidates

  Publicly back Tom Dippel for Senate District 41.

• Put up a yard sign

  Want one for your lawn, or a few to hand to neighbors? Ask through the campaign.

• Mobilize your church

  Church leaders, share this piece (or something like it) with your own congregation.