Minnesota Legislature: Simonson comes out on top in House District 7B race
November 6, 2012 at 6:00 pm in Duluth News Tribune
Erik Simonson, a Democrat and assistant Duluth fire chief who landed on the ballot for state Legislature on a decision by the Minnesota Supreme Court, was the overwhelming winner for the Minnesota State House District 7B seat.
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This is convincing evidence that the people in this area will vote “D” no matter what the character of candidate is.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
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This is also convincing evidence that the voters in 7B ought to be ashamed of themselves.
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Or, it’s evidence that Silvers was an inferior candidate to begin with, didn’t get any help from the GOP and then, got damaged even further by Fosle jumping in and taking away votes that more than likely would have gone to Silvers.
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I don’t think Silvers was an inferior candidate…it’s just that a majority of voters in the district decided he didn’t best fit who they wanted representing them in St. Paul. I’d also say that apparently a majority of the electorate didn’t want to hear what he had to say. I agree that the Minnesota GOP could have been of more help to him. I am surprised they didn’t jump quickly behind him once the Gauthier story broke knowing that Silvers had a real shot at becoming our first non-DFL’er in the Legislature from this area in over 20 years. However, even if Fosle hadn’t been in the race and Silvers picked up all of his votes, Simonson still won with 62% or so. Actually, under that assumption, Silvers did pretty well for a Republican in a local race, especially that Simonson out-fundraised him by 3 to 1 and Fosle had more money than Silvers per the candidate’s campaign finance reports that are filed.
I think Silvers’ best shot would be for a lower-profile local race now that he’s boosted his name recognition. Perhaps a School Board spot or, when Garry Krause’s seat is open for 4th District City Council, he could focus on the area he did the best in the polls yesterday (Duluth Heights/Piedmont Heights). Also the 2013 elections have no major races so they should have light turnout…and a better chance for someone whose contingent is smaller but devoted. Duluth voters have a habit of fiscal conservatism when it comes to voting for school bond referendums…focus on being a common-sense budget savvy representative who will work to set priorities straight in district spending. I could see that working for him.
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“inferior candidate” was probably a poor choice of words on my part.
I didn’t mean the man himself was “inferior”.
It just seemed as though he came out of nowhere, had no name recognition, even with people in that district and didn’t seem to be doing a lot to get himself out there.
I thought it was a shame that the GOP didn’t seem a lift a finger to help him at all.
Running as a republican in that district is difficult. Running with a very low budget and with hardly anyone even knowing who you are makes it pretty near impossible.
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So…if both positions are “full-time”…which one will be sacrificed?
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Parenthood is a full time position too, but that was written off a long time ago.
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Kurt…..I will venture to say that he will keep both positions……he will probably try to mold his asst chief position to adapt to the legislature position! I mentioned that he would do this when he decided to run. The Duluth Fire Dept will probably ( at city expense….of course ) either pay more money to 2 other people in the dept …..or hire another! I hope this does not happen….but, I guess it probably will…..always costing more money…….that is what they ( City and DFL and unions )…..do best!
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Are you suggesting that all the individuals that serve in the various reserve branches of the Military cannot do their day jobs successfully? Both are serving the state on a part time basis. But since this is someone you don’t like, he must be taking advantage of someone.
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That guy on the left sure is looking at him fawningly.
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The AFCME on his shirt tells you all you ever needed to know.
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wow….Stay classy.
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LOL…yep and that belly was all bought and paid for..as my dad would say.
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Patrick…..notice what the guy on the left’s t-shirt says? A good “union buddy”…..bet?
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I’m convinced they don’t even read the name let alone educate themselves on a candidate, you put a “d” behind OJ Simpsons name and these fools will vote for them, blind sheep. Katy, get a job so the tax burden affects you, might change your cocky tune a bit.
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Brian said:
“Katy, get a job so the tax burden affects you”
Sorry kiddo, I’m old and retired.
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Katy, you need a new one-liner, ya done wore that one out. Variety is the spice of life.
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Brian said:
“Katy, you need a new one-liner, ya done wore that one out”
Ya know, all the whining Should be worn out by now too but…it continues on ad nauseam.
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You’re pain is just beginning if you continue on this course. Tuesday was a full on repudiation of tea flavored righties; you guys had sure things in Missouri and Indiana but Richard Mourdock and Todd Akin lost. Add in the 2010 losers that included Sharron Angle, Christine O’Donnell and Ken Buck. At the House level, tea party hero Joe Walsh lost, badly, and Rep. Allen West is headed to defeat although he has yet to concede the contest. The Monticello Moonbat (Shelly) only squeaked out a victory because redistricting threw a few thousand more suburban righties in other voting bloc. And of course local favorite, Chippy. It’s all over for the yellers, the flamethrowers, the inciters, and the haters. Time to put your big boy pants on and look to lead, not rule.
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I generally vote Democratic but could not force myself to vote for Simonson. If we dont hold these people accountable then who is. Obviously child abandonment was not an issue with Simonson and unfortunately not with those who supported him. Its unfortunate that people here only look at party endorsements and fail to look at a persons character.
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