Primary Update: Two Days to Go

US Senate:

Al Franken is facing two perennial candidates in Ole Savior and Dick Franson in what should be an easy DFL primary. Felon and fugitive from justice Jack Shepard has filed as a Republican, setting up an easy primary for Norm Coleman. Doug Williams and Bill Dahn have already filed for the IP nomination. Rampant speculation continues regarding Jesse Ventura’s plans.

Complete update below the break...

Congress:

Brian Davis filed, making official the long anticipated primary with Dick Day, former Minnesota Senate minority leader. The two are vying for the opportunity to run against Tim Walz in the first congressional district.

In the third US congressional district, two Independence party candidates are vying for their party’s nomination, David Dillon and Steev Ramsdell. The IP candidate could have a spoiler effect in what promises to be a close general election, but it remains unclear whether the GOP or DFL would benefit.

In the fifth, Gregg Iverson filed to face Keith Ellison for the DFL nomination.

Minnesota House:

07B – In Duluth, Daniel Maryland joined John Derbis, Roger Reinert and Marshal Sternersen in the wide-open race to be the district’s next legislator.

10B – In the Ottertail/Wadena area, the DFL primary now is a three-way race between Timothy Nieminen (endorsed), Pete Phillips, and Janine Hudson. In addition, two GOP candidates are in the race, Al Hanson & Mark Murdock.

36A – In Lakeville we’ve got a GOP primary between Mary Holberg and Mitchell Johnston.

44A – In St. Louis Park, Darrell Brown and Tracy Leahy are both running for the GOP nod.

55A - In Maplewood, three DFLers are running: Leon Lillie, Diana Longrie, and Joseph Polencheck.

59B - In Minneapolis, Longtime State Representative Dr. Phyllis Kahn has drawn a challenge from Joel Rainville.

61B - Also Minneapolis, is looking like an interesting race. After Jeff Hayden runs against Harry Grigsby for the DFL nod, the winner will have to make it past Green Farheen Hakeem, a former candidate for Mayor with good name recognition who I expect to do very well for a third party candidate.