In key GOP areas, Emmer trails Pawlenty’s 2006 pace
As we track the Minnesota governor's race into the night, the Humphrey Institute's Larry Jacobs notes that Republican Tom Emmer is currently trailing the pace that incumbent Republican Tim Pawlenty set in 2006 in Anoka and Dakota counties -- key GOP areas.
It's possible that Independence Party candidate Tom Horner is drawing off Republican votes, he adds. "It's not that the Democrat (Mark Dayton) is getting more votes, it's that Emmer is getting fewer votes."
Jacobs says Emmer has struggled to unify his GOP base but appeared to be making progress in the run-up to election.
Returns so far tonight, though, show Emmer trailing Pawlenty's share by five percentage points or more in Hennepin, Dakota and Anoka counties, he adds.
Anoka County is certainly on the mind of Minnesota GOP chief Tony Sutton.
"We have to win Anoka County and win it decisively," Sutton said about 20 minutes ago. "To win the governor's race, I think that's the bellwether county at least in the last several governor's elections. It's important that we win that county and win it decisively tonight."
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.