We've been getting our fair share of emails asking for speculation (and bets) about the outcome of Tuesday's Republican primary in the First. Let's just say that we're in with two-bits on Brian Davis to win.
Our correspondents aren't the only ones to wonder about the race. Forum papers State Capitol Bureau reporter Scott Wente writes in Surprise: Primary is Tuesday:
Perhaps the most competitive statewide primary race is the battle among Independence Party candidates for U.S. Senate. Party-endorsed candidate Stephen Williams faces two key opponents – ex-Sen. Dean Barkley and former party chairman Jack Uldrich – and four others.
Ritchie said the hot Independence Party primary, an intriguing Republican primary between Brian Davis and state Sen. Dick Day in southern Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District and a slate of interesting Minnesota House primaries could lead to a higher-than-average turnout. Local races also could draw more voters.
Still, long lines are not predicted.
“Generally speaking if we look historically at past practice we can estimate it will be in or around the 15 percent range,” Ritchie said of turnout.
We encourage everyone to vote in the primary, and we hope DFLers will get out and vote for Al Franken for the nomination for the U.S. Senate seat. The talk of DFLers getting out to vote for Brian Davis--as the weaker of the two Republicans--should remain just that, regardless of pundits' ideas like:
"Democrats would much rather run against Brian Davis than Dick Day because Dick Day does have more name recognition," Janecek said.
Let those voters who identify with the Republican Party should vote on the Republicans on the ballot (Minnesota's election laws do not allow split tickets in primaries---a voter can only choose from candidates in one party). Democrats and their allies should focus their attention on the contested U.S. Senate race.
And don't forget to head over to Minnesota Central and compete for the bragging rights as the Most Knowledgeable Political Junkie in MN-01. Entries must be made by Sunday.
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