ewaldatthecapit o l
September 15, 2006
Primary Colors
In Minnesota, when a citizen files for elected
office, they are not guaranteed their name
will be placed on the November ballot.
Sometimes, multiple candidates from the
same party file for the same office. When this
occurs, the candidates must face each other
in a Primary election to determine who will
be placed on the November ballot. This year,
the Primary elections occurred September
12, and there were a few surprises. This edition of Ewald at the Capitol will provide a
recap of what transpired with the big names
in the big races.
The Gubernatorial Race
Although each of the endorsed candidates
from the major parties had primary challengers, each endorsee was able to comfortably move through the primaries and have
their name placed on the November ballot.
Republican endorsee, incumbent Governor
Tim Pawlenty handily defeated his challenger, bar owner Sue Jeffers. Attorney
General Mike Hatch, the DFL endorsed candidate, easily defeated State Senator Becky
Lourey and perennial candidate Ole Savior.
Finally, the Independence Party-endorsed
candidate, Peter Hutchinson, also defeated
his primary challenger, Pam Ellison.
United States Senate
The race for the open United States Senate
seat vacated by current U.S. Senator Mark
Dayton similarly concluded without any surprises. Amy Klobuchar, DFL endorsee and
current Hennepin County Attorney, as well as
Congressman, Mark Kennedy, Republican
endorsee from Minnesota's Sixth District,
both easily earned victories in their primaries.
Minnesota Legislature
Minnesotans also voted in primaries in several state House and Senate races. In the
Senate, three incumbents escaped primary
challenges: Majority Leader Dean Johnson
(DFL - Willmar); Paul Koering (R - Fort
Ripley); and Mee Moua (DFL - St. Paul). In
the House, two more incumbents also survived primary challenges: Education Policy
and Reform Chair Mark Buesgens (R Jordan), and Neil Peterson (R - Bloomington).
There were several other primary battles for
seats vacated by retiring legislators; one
notable victory was Tony Lourey (DFL Kerrick) winning the Democratic primary to
be placed on the November ballot.
Attorney General
One of the more interesting races to watch on
Tuesday was the race for the DFL's pick for
Attorney General. Earlier this year, State
Representative Matt Entenza (DFL - St. Paul)
was endorsed by his party to run for Attorney
General. On the last day of eligibility for
candidate filings, Entenza unexpectedly withdrew from the race. Former Congressman
Bill Luther, State Senator Steve Kelley (DFL -
Ewald Government
R e l a t i o n s Te a m
Feel free to contact any
member of our team:
David Ewald
651-290-6276
[email protected]
Valerie Dosland
651-265-7857
[email protected]
Becca Pryse
651-265-7858
[email protected]
Dave Dederichs, Esq.
651-203-7251
[email protected]
Eric Ewald
651-290-6266
[email protected]
Key Legislative
Contact Info
House Information Office
651-296-2146
Senate Information Office
651-296-0504
State Legislature Website
www.leg.mn
Continued on next page
...putting members first.
1000 Westgate Drive, Ste. 252 • St. Paul, MN 55114 • 651-290-6260 • Fax: 651-290-2266 • [email protected] • www.ewald.com
ewaldatthecapitol
Continued from previous page
Hopkins), and Solicitor General Lori Swanson all entered the
race to fill the void. Kelley, who had recently lost to Hatch in
the gubernatorial endorsement process, was endorsed by the
party for Attorney General; however, Minnesotans chose to
place Lori Swanson on the November ballot.
Interesting Fact
The turnout for this year's primary was approximately 16 percent of all eligible voters, which was more than double the
primary turnout two years ago, when eligible voter turnout
was just over 7 percent.
Don't Forget
On the Republican side of the AG's race, state Representative
Jeff Johnson (R - Plymouth) had received his party's endorsement, but he was still challenged by perennial candidate (and
interestingly enough, non-attorney) Sharon Anderson.
Johnson won the primary, but Anderson received over 40 percent of the vote.
Fifth Congressional District
After the Twins stadium was approved by the Hennepin
County Commissioners last year with a 0.15 percent sales tax
increase for Hennepin County residents (without a voter referendum), many citizens had vowed that the commissioners
who voted to approve the measure would be unseated in the
next primary election. On Tuesday, three of the four commissioners that voted to approve the measure were on the primary ballot. Moreover, in Anoka County, two County
Commissioners, both of whom support a Vikings stadium with
a similar sales tax increase for Anoka County, were on the primary ballot. All five commissioners moved on to the general
election by being one of the top two vote getters in each race.
This year's elections take place on Tuesday, November 7th,
2006. Please keep watching for more editions of Ewald at the
Capitol to stay apprised of all things political.