Rep. Tom Emmer will play the role of Gov. Tim Walz in debate preparation for Sen. J.D. Vance ahead of the vice presidential debate next week.
Mr. Emmer, Minnesota Republican, will act as Mr. Walz, Minnesota Democrat, to help Mr. Vance, Ohio Republican, prepare for Mr. Walz’s “folky style,” the New York Times reported.
The two Minnesotans crossed paths in Congress for two terms before Mr. Walz transitioned to the state’s governor. They’re both in their 60s and have backgrounds of being sports coaches.
Mr. Emmer is a member of Republican leadership in the House and a former chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been standing in as Mr. Vance for Mr. Walz’s debate preparation.
Mr. Vance and Mr. Walz are set to debate Oct. 1 in New York City. The debate will be hosted by CBS news.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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