The dust has yet to completely settle, but the picture that’s emerging from the 2008 election seems to indicate that the people want change and they want things to stay the same. Tax hikes on the ballots were largely defeated in Minnesota (the outdoors amendment was a big exception). Marriage protection constitutional amendments passed in every state that put them on the ballot. Despite strong tendancy toward traditional conservatism when voters were asked to directly vote on the issues, we have quixotically elected a new president who’s entire campaign theme has centered on change and who is generally considered very liberal.
Nationally, the Democrats have been handed the keys – to everything. Democrats will enjoy a majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate while controlling the White House. This is a political environment last seen in 1992 and before that, in 1976. In January, we will begin to get an inkling of which direction the new paradigm will lead us.
In Minnesota, not much has changed. Democrats netted a gain of two state House seats, bringing their majority to 87-47. This still leaves House Democrats three seats shy of a veto-proof majority. The DFL gains were primarily achieved in districts left with open seats by retiring GOP legislators.
Incumbents Ousted
Republicans knocked out three Democrat incumbents. GOP challenger Greg Davids defeated Ken Tschumper in 31B. Republican newcomer Tara Mack unseated ultra-liberal first-term Democrat Shelly Madore in 37A and Incumbent DFLer Sandy Wollschlager was defeated by Republican challenger Tim Kelly in 28A.
The DFL managed to defeat two incumbent Republicans. Democrat Gail Jackson narrowly unseated Sondra Erickson in 16A, winning by just 99 votes. In 38B, DFLer Mike Obermueller upset first-term incumbent Republican Lynn Wardlow.
Democrat Open Seats
Five House DFLers chose not to seek reelection this year and one was ousted in a primary challenge, leaving Democrats with six open seats to defend. They held on to most, but lost one to the GOP.
Retiring legislator Frank Moe will be replaced by fellow DFLer John Persell, who defeated Republican John Carlson, keeping district 4B in Democrat hands.
Mike Jaros was also succeeded by another Democrat. Roger Reinert will fill Jaros’ shoes representing district 7B.
In 20A, Andrew Falk will replace outgoing DFLer Aaron Peterson.
Willie Dominguez lost a primary challenge to Bobby Joe Champion, who went on to win 58B, not surprisingly keeping the urban district in DFL control.
Neva Walker retired after four terms, but was succeeded in 61B by fellow Democrat Jeff Hayden.
The one open seat Democrats failed to hold onto was in 51A. Scott Kranz declined to seek reelection and Republican Tim Sanders turned the seat over, defeating Democrat Shawn Hamilton and Daniel Sanders of the Independence Party.
Republican Open Seats
Republicans were contending with 11 vacated seats this election. Three Republican legislators declined to seek reelection in the wake of controversy that swirled around their votes to override the governor’s veto of the transportation tax. Seven other Republican House members retired. Four of the open seats formerly occupied by Republicans turned over into Democrat hands with Republicans successfully defending six of them.
Mark Murdock maintained GOP representation in 10B, replacing retiring Republican Dean Simpson.
Former Secretay of State Mary Kiffmeyer defeated Incumbent Mark Olson in 16B’s GOP endorsing convention, prompting Olson to seek a state senate seat instead of running for reelection (Olson was later defeated by Allison Krueger in the SD 16 GOP primary). Kiffmeyer went on to defeat Democrat opponent Steve Andrews in the general election.
21B remains a Republican district with Paul Torkleson replacing Brad Finstad, who did not seek reelection.
Republicans held on to 33B where Connie Doepke replaced one-term Republican John Berns.
In 42B, Erik Paulsen gave up his seat to successfully run for US Congress in the 3rd District. Jennifer Loon held the district for the GOP.
Peggy Scott was successful in holding the 49A seat for Republicans after Chris DeLaForest retired this year.
Democrats managed turnovers in 26A and 37B. Connie Ruth chose not to run again in 26A, and DFLer Kory Kath beat Republican Thomas Kuntz for that open seat.
Republican Dennis Ozment opted not to seek reelection in 37B. Judy Lindsay failed in her attempt to keep the district in GOP hands, turning the seat over to DFLer Phillip Sterner.
The Infamous “Override Six”
Override-sixer Ron Erhardt lost his party’s endorsement in district 41A, but ran to keep his seat as an independent. GOP-endorsed Keith Downey prevailed in the three-way race against Erhardt and DFLer Kevin Staunton.
Neil Peterson also lost the Republican endorsement over his vote to override the governor’s transportation tax veto, but didn’t seek reelection. Democrat Paul Rosenthal bested endorsed Republican Jan Schnieder, taking 41B for the DFL.
After losing the GOP endorsement over his override vote, Jim Abeler ran in the primary and defeated challenger Don Huizenga. The dust-up over the override left district 48B without an endorsed Republican candidate. Following Abeler’s primary win, a special endorsing meeting was called, and Abeler was welcomed back into the Republican fold. He went on to defeat DFLer Andrew Boho and held on to his embattled seat.
Kathy Tinglestad was another Republican who lost her party’s endorsement over her override vote. She chose not to seek reelection. Jake Cimenski tried, but failed to hold the seat for the GOP and Democrat Jerry Newton moved 49B into the DFL column.
Rod Hamilton sailed to a smooth victory in 22B despite his override vote.
Bud Heidgerken did not seek reelection and will be succeeded by Republican Paul Anderson in 13A.
Congressional Races
The political balance of Minnesota’s US Congressional delegation looks like it will remain unchanged with one Republican and one Democrat senator, and three Republican representatives to five Democrats.
Referenda
The “Arts and Outdoors” sales tax increase amendment appears to have prevailed with 55% of the vote. 35 School district levies also passed in the various municipalities that sought additional school revenues. 38 of the levies failed, though.
Democrats have made modest gains in their majorities in the US House and Senate. They didn’t achieve the filibuster-proof majority they hoped for in the Senate, but nationally, change is coming. The big factor that will lead to profound change in the direction of our federal government is the election of Democrat Barack Obama. This election resulted in one-party rule in Washington but in Minnesota, little has changed. Democrats gained two seats in the state House. It was a good year to be an incumbent and the executive is still Governor Tim Pawlenty. There is no paradigm shift in Minnesota politics.