Minnesota State Legislative Recount Update
Nearly one in five state house races in Minnesota (22 of 134, 16%) were decided by five percentage points or less in the 2006 Election. On November 21st, Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer ordered recounts in three of the most closely decided districts. Republicans currently control each of these districts with DFL candidates in the lead heading into the recount process.
In District 25B (Northfield) DFL challenger David Bly leads Republican incumbent Ray Cox by 57 votes out of more than 18,500 votes cast.
In District 31B (comprising portions of Fillmore and Houston counties) DFL candidate Ken Tschumper held a 49 vote advantage over Republican incumbent (and Speaker Pro Tempore) Gregory M. Davids in a district with more than 16,100 votes cast.
In District 53A (comprising parts of Anoka and Ramsey counties) DFL challenger Paul Gardner leads GOP incumbent Phil Krinkie by 55 votes out of more than 18,3000 votes cast.
If the DFL holds each of these seats they will maintain their 19-seat pickup in the House, erasing a 68-66 deficit with an 85-49 advantage.
Yesterday the SoS declared that in 53A Paul Gardner was in fact the winner. A hand recount gave Krinkie a couple of more votes, but that race has been certified for Gardner.