The Sept. 12 primary served as Minnesotan’s opportunity to whittle the field of candidates for Congressional and state legislative offices to one person per party. The turn-out rate was 15.93 percent of registered voters. Among the races, three of the most closely watched races were between DFL candidates. The governor’s contest among the DFL party left Attorney General Mike Hatch winner, handily defeating Sen. Becky Lourey with 73 percent of the vote. Solicitor General Lori Swanson upset former U.S. Rep. Bill Luther and State Sen. Steve Kelly in a race for attorney general. The race for the 5th  Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Martin Sabo resulted in State Rep. Keith Ellison, defeating former Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge, Minneapolis City Councilman Paul Ostro and former DFL state party chair Mike Erlandson.

The Nov. 7 election is fast approaching and resources are available for you to educate yourself and vote. The November issue of Senior News will arrive the last week in October with details from MnSF-sponsored candidate forums. MnSF staff is available to answer questions regarding issues and voter registration. MnSF issues manager Max Neuhaus can be reached at 651/783-5004 and Alliance For Retired Americans field staff organizer Tom Dwyer can be reached at 651/783-5022. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office has information online at www.sos.state.mn.us. Mark your calendars, educate yourself and vote Tuesday, Nov. 7.