The Latest: Emmer town hall continues without major hurdles

SARTELL, Minn. – The Latest on U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer’s town hall in Minnesota (all times local):

8:50 p.m.

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer’s town hall went on as planned after the congressman said he would shut down the event if protests or unruly attendees disrupted the conversation.

Attendees pressed Emmer about a number of issues stemming from President Donald Trump’s first month in office. The Minnesota residents’ questions were centred around health care, immigration and education. The event on Wednesday filled up minutes after police opened the doors at Sartell’s City Hall.

The crowd was mostly subdued compared to those at other town halls across the nation, though Emmer and the group visibly sparred at times.

Emmer drew vocal criticism when speaking about reforming the Affordable Care Act and Trump’s immigration order. Multiple attendees say they were frustrated when they felt that Emmer was dodging audience members’ questions.

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6:20 a.m.

U.S Rep. Tom Emmer is heading to his Minnesota district for his first town hall meeting with constituents since President Donald Trump took office.

Emmer hosts the meeting Wednesday evening in Sartell. His chief of staff, David FitzSimmons, released a statement in advance calling for a “productive and healthy” conversation.

Some town halls held in recent days by congressional Republicans around the country have been raucous, with strong criticism of plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act and of Trump’s executive order on immigration.

Emmer is the first of his Minnesota GOP colleagues to hold an in-person town hall. He was an early and vocal supporter of Trump during the campaign.