Dems’ field for 2020 includes Klobuchar now

Senator from Minnesota won dozens of counties that Trump took in 2016

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Sunday joined the growing group of Democrat presidential hopefuls, positioning herself as the most prominent Midwestern candidate in the field, as her party tries to win back voters.

Klobuchar, who easily won a thirdterm last year, has pointed to her broad appeal across Minnesota. She has drawn support from voters in urban, suburban and rural areas, including in dozens of counties President Trump won in 2016.

Of Democrats already in the race, several are better-known and able to raise huge amounts of money.

Klobuchar, 58, is known as a straightshooting, pragmatist willing to work with Republicans, making her one of the Senate’s most productive members at passing legislation.

Klobuchar has recently focused on prescription drug prices, a new farm bill and election security. She supports the “Green New Deal,” a Democratic plan recently proposed to combat climate change and create thousands of renewable energy jobs.

Her legislative record has drawn criticism. Some Republicans say Klobuchar is able to get things done because she pushes smaller issues. Some progressives say she lacks the kind of fire and bold ideas needed to bring significant change and excite voters.