strib: Open Senate seat sets up an intriguing race

[question everything]

Open Senate seat sets up an intriguing race
Published September 21, 2005

The decision by Republican David Gaither to resign his state Senate seat sets up an intriguing political battle in his District 43, which covers much of Plymouth, northern Minnetonka and the tiny city of Medicine Lake. Gaither has left the Senate to become Gov. Tim Pawlenty's chief of staff.

At first glance, Republicans seem to have an advantage in keeping the seat in their party's hands. Gaither won the seat in 2002 with 54 percent of the vote, 20 percentage points more than the DFL candidate.

But last year's election results could make Republicans worry: Democrat John Kerry edged out President Bush in District 43, 50 percent to 49 percent. A special election to fill Gaither's seat could be an interesting test of whether this area is indeed becoming more liberal or if the 2004 election was an anomaly.

While Minnetonka voters tend to be more liberal, Plymouth has been a Republican stronghold. More DFLers often turn out for presidential elections, so the next senator from this area could be determined by which party can get its voters to the polls for a special election.

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http://www.startribune.com/stories/106/5621246.html

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