Minnesota- Why can't the GOP get the job done there?

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Some questions:
-Why is Duluth so Liberal?
-What sociological trend makes people believe Wisconsin\Minn.\Mich. are up for grabs for the GOP? as I understand the region is generally Liberal socially along with a tradition of progressive politics

Duluth and the adjacent counties are historical bastions of organized labor- the entire area, known as the Iron Range has thusly been very Democratic. It's a bit like Northern Ohio, except more Democratic. Furthermore, I believe Duluth has become a bit of a liberal stronghold- a lot of hippie types.

There's been something of an idea (not really accurate) in U.S. political circles that white working class male voters in the Midwest are something of a swing demographic. In fact, the GOP strategy in this respect has pretty much been centered around conquering places like the Iron Range.
Also, these states have significant GOP-friendly areas anyway, so it make the margins close even without these voters.

While it is sort of the capital of the Iron Range, people shouldn't misunderstand Duluth. It's a college town with a relatively educated populace and somewhat cosmopolitan atmosphere, especially in comparison to the rural areas around it, and sort of a gateway to Canada. Duluth is classic Midwestern small city liberalism just like Eau Claire or Iowa City and would be no matter where it was located.