Minnesota held a special election today to replace vacating Republican Senator Tom Neuville. Per The Star Tribune
Voters in a south-metro Senate district split by Interstate 35 will vote in a special election today to replace Sen. Tom Neuville, R-Northfield, who will be sworn in as a Rice County judge this month.
The result was a pick up that gave the Minnesota DFL (Democratic Farm-Labor Party) a veto proof majority in the Senate. With tonights results the DFL controls 67% of the Senate seats and 63% of the House seats.
This district was considered a long shot pick up by most. Senate district 25 consists of Le Sueur, Rice, Scott and Sibley Counties. Bush won 54%, 45%, 60% and 59% respectively in these counties. Scott is the most populated district of the 4, in addition to being the most Republican. Rice is a generally rural county, containing St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges in the city of Northfield. Governor Pawlenty attempted to be shrewd in selecting a special election date that occurs while students are just settling back into school, and is also the same day as the Iowa Caucus.
The winner, Kevin Dahle, is a teacher and union leader who ran a strong progressive campaign.
Minnesota DFLers have been on a role of late, and this will further help in their battles with Governor Tim Pawlenty.