Do Early Votes Indicate A Trend?
Northfield/Minneapolis MN – Last week’s Iowa caucus and Minnesota State Senate election outcomes may indicate a shift in voter sentiment, according to a Minnesota political analyst. Stephen Schier of Carlton College says his view is based, not only on caucus-goers’ presidential picks, but on a local Minnesota vote that put another Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party member in the State Senate. “This special election along with the Iowa caucuses show the Democrats are enthusiastic. They’re turning out in large numbers. They’re feeling optimistic about their chances in 2008, and they have good reason to feel optimistic.” Governor Pawlenty called the special election to replace Southeast Minnesota Senator Tom Neuville (R-Northfield), whom he appointed to a judicial position. Northfield teacher Kevin Dahle was elected, with 55 percent of the vote, over two challengers. Schier says the election result gives DFL-ers a veto-proof majority in the Senate. “The election result will change the wa
