Rep. Mary Sawatzky (DFL) v Dave Baker (R) – 17B Willmar
This seat has flipped back and forth between Republicans and Democrats the last three elections. Both parties say it is crucial to controlling the House this year. Rep. Mary Sawatzky (DFL) is one of the few DFLers who voted against legalizing same-sex marriage. Her district voted for the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in 2012, which has made it hard for social conservatives to attack her. Her Republican opponent, David Baker, is a businessman.
Sawatsky and Baker debated on Oct. 9 at the Pioneer Public TV studios in Appleton.
Minnesota Republican endorsed secretary of state candidate Dan Severson claims the new "no-excuse" absentee ballot legislation which allows any registered voter to absentee vote without an excuse specifically excludes military personnel from this privilege, requiring them to provide an excuse. The secretary of state office says Severson is wrong.
Comedian Bill Maher brings his HBO show to Northfield, Minn., in hopes of ousting Minnesota Congressman John Kline – who Maher has targeted with his "Flip A District" contest.
Governor Mark Dayton (DFL) and Jeff Johnson (R) squared off in their first one-on-one gubernatorial debate in Duluth Tuesday. The debate was sponsored by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Duluth News Tribune and live streamed by The UpTake from the Duluth Playhouse.
