A Good Night For Olmsted DFL Candidates

11/08/2006

Paul Munnis

It was an exciting evening for Olmsted County DFL candidates who registered a great evening with joyful results after a long and hard fought campaign.

Kim Norton defeated Rich Decker 7,761 to 7,662 (50 percent to 49 percent and by just 101 votes), Ann Lynch defeated Scott Wright 15,639 to 13,992 (52 percent to 47 percent), incumbent Tina Liebling beat Carla Nelson 7,106 to 6,336 (52 percent to 47 percent), and incumbent Andy Welti held off Bill Kuisle 8,310 to 8,103 (50 percent to 49 percent).

Randy Demmer, defeated Wes Urevig 5,808 to 4,438 (56 percent to 43 percent) to become the only incumbent GOP winner in an area House race.

In the only area State Senate race Republican incumbent Dave Senjem defeated Rob Broberg 14,046 to 8,719 (54 percent to 34 percent).

In other races, the loss of the Governorship was unfortunate as DFL workers labored hard to defeat Tim Pawlenty. He got back into office but with little thanks to Olmsted voters.

Tim Walz took a commanding lead and had a solid win over Gil Gutknect in a huge upset in CD1.

Amy Klobuchar swept to victory in Olmsted County.

Ann Lynch, a first time DFL campaigner won Sheila Kiscaden’s former Senate seat thus permitting retention of that vital linkage to the MN Senate.

Looking at the State from an overall perspective, these MN Senate and MN House candidates are moving to a situation where the DFL controls both chambers and the Pawlenty Administration is forced to be more bi-partisan and far less arrogant.

As Klobuchar and Walz go to Washington they are both challenged to learn the ropes and to make a difference in representing their Districts. Good behavior will be rewarded with long terms of service.

Olmsted County Chair Lynn Wilson was all smiles as she realized a solid success for her organization and for Olmsted County DFL candidates.