The 2006 election will feature important federal and state races. In addition to the open US Senate seat, one of the 8 House seats is open (the 6th)

 

State races include: the Governor (incumbent Pawlenty (R) seeking reelection); the Attorney General (open, incumbent Hatch (DFL) likely running for Governor), Secretary of State and Auditor; all 67 state senate seats (current DFL majority (35-31-1)); and all 134 state house seats (current R majority (68 to 66)).

 

DFL Endorsement

·        March 7, 2006      Precinct Caucuses

·        March 19, 2006    County Unit Conventions

·        April 22, 2006     Congressional District Conventions

·        June 12, 2006       State Convention

 

Historically, approximately 10,000 to 15,000 people attend precinct caucuses.  In 2004, because of the interest in presidential campaigns approximately 56,000 people attended. 

 

Caucus-goers elect delegates to the County Unit Convention (based on Senate Districts in some areas). 

 

At the County Unit Convention, delegates are elected to both the Congressional District Convention and State Convention.  In 2004,  approximately 1200 delegates were elected to the State Convention at the County Unit level. 

The State convention endorses candidates for all offices.  In order to receive the DFL endorsement a candidate must receive 60% of the votes cast by delegates.  Voting delegates include those elected at the county conventions and automatic delegates.  Automatic delegates include state party officers, congressional district chairs and associate chairs, others in the Distinguished Party Leader category, and Elected Officials.  

 

Primary (Open to all voters)

Date:  September 12, 2006

Minnesota has same day registration, strict Absentee Ballot regulations.

 

In 2000, during the last contested DFL Senate primary 433,399 people cast a ballot.  Over 26% (114,191) of the DFL primary votes were cast in Hennepin County alone.  Dayton won ( 41%), Ciresi was second (22%).

 

General

Date:  November 7, 2006