I started this
series last month. I wanted to make this diary on the Minnesota Senate race because for such a high-profile race, I haven't heard a lot of talk about this one. I haven't had the time to be around here as much as I once was, so if I've missed diaries on this, I'm sorry.
First-term senator Mark Dayton (Democrat) is retiring at the end of the year. A brief skirmish erupted over his seat, but the various candidates or potential candidates (Patty Wetterling, Rod Grams) all moved to other races, leaving Hennepin County chief prosecutor
Amy Klobuchar (D) and
Mark Kennedy, outgoing represenative of Minnesota's 6th District (R - and no offense to him, but he
really should not have such offputting photos on the front page of his website, they just look odd).
This is going to be a close race, as Minnesota is a polarized state. If you had believed the media hype, Minnesota became a Republican state in 2002 and Democrats were hopeless in their attempts to stay strong. Then, in 2004, Kerry won with a larger majority than Gore, Democrats gained a dozen seats in the statehouse, and Democrats have won 2 state senate special elections in conservative/moderate GOP-held districts since then.
Does this mean Klobuchar has this wrapped up? Of course not. The state is still divided, Kennedy will have tons of money and the Rove turnout machine, and there are some who still feel that the DFL machine in Minnesota needs drastic improvements. There's also the question of whether or not Klobuchar will be able to get enough margins outside of Minneapolis and St. Paul. And there are elements outside of her control, like competitive House races and the gubernatorial contest between far-right governor Tim Pawlenty and Democratic attorney general Mike Hatch.
The future of the US Senate, not to mention Minnesota, could hinge on this race.
What are your thoughts, hopes, or fears?