United States Senate election in Minnesota, 2012
United States Senate election in Minnesota, 2012
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The 2012 United States Senate election in Minnesota took place on November 6, 2012, concurrently with the U.S. presidential election as well as other elections to the United States Senate and House of Representatives as well as various state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic–Farmer–Labor U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was re-elected to a second term in a landslide, defeating the Republican nominee, State Representative Kurt Bills, by almost one million votes and carrying all but two of the state's counties.
Background
Incumbent Amy Klobuchar was first elected in 2006 to succeed the retiring DFL incumbent Mark Dayton. Klobuchar beat Republican candidate Mark Kennedy by 58% to 38%. Klobuchar served as Minnesota's only senator between January 3 and July 7, 2009, due to the contested results of Minnesota's senatorial election held the previous year, finally decided in favor of DFLer Al Franken.
DFL primary
The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party held its Senate primary on August 14, 2012.[1]
Candidates
Declared
- Dick Franson, perennial candidate[2]
- Amy Klobuchar, incumbent U.S. Senator
- Jack Shepard, dentist, convicted felon, fugitive and perennial candidate[3][4]
- Darryl Stanton
Results
Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary results[5]
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
DFL |
Amy Klobuchar |
183,702 |
90.79 |
|
DFL |
Dick Franson |
6,832 |
3.38 |
|
DFL |
Jack Shepard |
6,638 |
3.28 |
|
DFL |
Darryl Stanton |
5,160 |
2.55 |
| Total votes |
202,332 |
100 |
Republican primary
The Republican Party of Minnesota held its nominating convention in May 2012 and held its Senate primary on August 14, 2012.[1]
Candidates
Declared
- Kurt Bills, state representative; won May 2012 convention nomination[6]
- David Carlson, former Marine Corps sergeant; candidate in August 2012 primary
- Bob Carney Jr., inventor, independent businessman; finished 2nd in 2010 GOP primary for Governor of Minnesota, candidate in August 2012 primary[7]
Withdrew
- Joe Arwood, St. Bonifacius city councilman; withdrew before May 2012 convention
- Pete Hegseth, executive director of Vets for Freedom; withdrew after May 2012 convention
- Anthony Hernandez, former state senate candidate; withdrew before May 2012 convention to run for Congress against Rep. Betty McCollum.
- Dan Severson, former state representative; withdrew after May 2012 convention
Declined
- Michele Bachmann, U.S. representative (running for re-election to Congress)[8]
- Laura Brod, former state representative[9]
- Norm Coleman, former U.S. senator[10]
- John Kline, U.S. representative[11]
- Susan Marvin, businesswoman[12]
- Tim Pawlenty, former governor (formerly running for President)[13][14]
- Julie Rosen, state senator[9]
- Marty Seifert, former state representative[12]
- Rich Stanek, Hennepin County sheriff[15]
- Dave Thompson, assistant majority leader of the Minnesota Senate and former radio show host[16]
Results
Republican primary results[5]
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
Republican |
Kurt Bills |
63,380 |
51.12 |
|
Republican |
David Carlson |
43,847 |
35.37 |
|
Republican |
Bob Carney, Jr. |
16,755 |
13.51 |
| Total votes |
123,982 |
100 |
Independence primary
Campaign
The Independence Party of Minnesota did not plan to run a candidate in the general election. Party chairman Mark Jenkins said in November 2011 that he saw the Senate election as "a distraction from having our best and brightest engaged in state legislative races".[17] At the party's convention in June 2012, neither candidate was endorsed although Williams won a majority of the votes and came within two votes of the required 60% needed for the party's endorsement. He proceeded with his run for the Senate but the party focused its attention on state legislative races.[18]
Candidates
Results
Independence Party primary results[5]
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
|
Independence |
Stephen Williams |
3,068 |
59.67 |
|
Independence |
Glen R. Anderson Menze |
2,074 |
40.33 |
| Total votes |
5,142 |
100 |
General election
Candidates
Debates
Klobuchar and Bills held their second debate on August 29, 2012 at the State Fair, sponsored by MPR News. Their third debate, on September 16 in Duluth, was about the nation's struggle with deficit spending and unemployment. The audience was assembled by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and Duluth News Tribune.[20]
- External links
- Complete video at Minnesota Public Radio, second debate, August 29, 2012
- Audio from Minnesota Public Radio, third debate, September 18, 2012
Fundraising
| Candidate (party) |
Receipts |
Disbursements |
Cash on hand |
Debt |
Current Through |
| Amy Klobuchar (DFL) |
$6,301,413 |
$2,530,567 |
$5,393,798 |
$0 |
7/25/2012 |
| Kurt Bills (R) |
$394,547 |
$388,720 |
$5,841 |
$0 |
7/25/2012 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[21] |
Top contributors
This section lists the top contributors by employer. These organizations themselves didn't donate, but these numbers include donations from their PACs, members, employees, owners, and their immediate families.
| Amy Klobuchar |
Contribution |
Kurt Bills |
Contribution |
| Dorsey & Whitney |
$61,100 |
Liberty PAC |
$10,000 |
| Target Corp |
$56,050 |
Craw |
$10,000 |
| General Mills |
$51,750 |
Primera Technology |
$10,000 |
| U.S. Bancorp |
$51,139 |
Minnesota Limited Pipeline |
$7,500 |
| Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi |
$49,150 |
Ameriprise Financial |
$5,000 |
| Medtronic Inc. |
$41,025 |
Bachmann for Congress |
$5,000 |
| Toys R Us |
$36,500 |
Exactdrive |
$5,000 |
| Leonard, Street & Deinard |
$34,350 |
New Spark Holdings |
$5,000 |
| Comcast Corp |
$33,623 |
TACPAC |
$5,000 |
| Wells Fargo |
$32,400 |
Twin City Fan Companies |
$5,000 |
| Source: Center for Responsive Politics,[22] Current through: 9/3/2012 |
Top industries
| Amy Klobuchar |
Contribution |
Kurt Bills |
Contribution |
| Lawyers/Law Firms |
$989,929 |
Leadership PACs |
$17,850 |
| Retired |
$447,082 |
Republican/Conservative |
$13,750 |
| Leadership PACs |
$302,150 |
Financial Institutions |
$13,250 |
| Lobbyists |
$282,430 |
Real Estate |
$12,550 |
| Financial Institutions |
$269,033 |
Retired |
$10,350 |
| Entertainment industry |
$256,711 |
Energy Industry |
$10,250 |
| Women's Issues |
$196,866 |
Electronics Manufacturing |
$10,000 |
| Retail industry |
$181,850 |
Misc. Business |
$9,450 |
| Commercial Banks |
$159,139 |
Manufacturing & Distributing |
$7,850 |
| Pharmaceuticals/Health Products |
$149,725 |
Computers/Internet |
$7,350 |
| Source: Center for Responsive Politics,[23] Current through: 9/3/2012 |
Polling
| Poll source |
Date(s)
administered |
Sample
size |
Margin of
error |
Amy
Klobuchar (DFL) |
Kurt
Bills (R) |
Other |
Undecided |
| Public Policy Polling |
November 2–3, 2012 |
1,164 |
± 2.9% |
62% |
32% |
— |
6% |
| KSTP/SurveyUSA |
November 1–3, 2012 |
556 |
± 4.2% |
60% |
30% |
3% |
7% |
| SurveyUSA |
October 26–28, 2012 |
574 |
± 4.1% |
60% |
29% |
4% |
7% |
| Star Tribune/Mason-Dixon |
October 23–25, 2012 |
800 |
± 3.5% |
65% |
22% |
— |
13% |
| Rasmussen Reports |
October 21, 2012 |
500 |
± 4.5% |
56% |
33% |
2% |
9% |
| St. Cloud State U. |
October 15–21, 2012 |
600 |
± 5% |
63% |
36% |
1% |
— |
| SurveyUSA/KSTP |
October 12–14, 2012 |
550 |
± 4.2% |
58% |
30% |
5% |
7% |
| Public Policy Polling |
October 5–8, 2012 |
937 |
± 3.2% |
57% |
31% |
— |
12% |
| Star Tribune/Mason-Dixon |
September 17–19, 2012 |
800 |
± 3.5% |
57% |
28% |
7% |
8% |
| Public Policy Polling |
September 10–11, 2012 |
824 |
± 3.4% |
55% |
36% |
— |
10% |
| KSTP/Survey USA |
September 6–9, 2012 |
551 |
± 4.2% |
55% |
34% |
— |
11% |
| Survey USA |
July 17–19, 2012 |
552 |
± 4.3% |
55% |
31% |
5% |
9% |
| Public Policy Polling |
May 31–June 3, 2012 |
973 |
± 3.1% |
55% |
29% |
— |
16% |
|
Hypothetical polling |
- Republican Primary
| Poll source |
Date(s)
administered |
Sample
size |
Margin of
error |
Michele
Bachmann |
Laura
Brod |
Norm
Coleman |
Chip
Cravaack |
Tom
Emmer |
John
Kline |
Erik
Paulsen |
Tim
Pawlenty |
Other/
Unde-
cided |
| Public Policy Polling |
December 4–5, 2010 |
387 |
± 5.0% |
36% |
4% |
14% |
7% |
6% |
5% |
2% |
20% |
6% |
- General Election
| Poll source |
Date(s)
administered |
Sample
size |
Margin of
error |
Amy
Klobuchar (DFL) |
Joe
Arwood (R) |
Other |
Undecided |
| Public Policy Polling |
May 31-June 3, 2012 |
973 |
± 3.1% |
56% |
29% |
— |
15% |
| Survey USA |
January 31-February 2, 2012 |
542 |
± 4.2% |
59% |
28% |
— |
14% |
| Public Policy Polling |
January 21–22, 2012 |
1,236 |
± 2.8% |
55% |
30% |
— |
15% |
| Survey USA |
November 2–6, 2011 |
543 |
± 4.3% |
56% |
22% |
— |
22% |
| Poll source |
Date(s)
administered |
Sample
size |
Margin of
error |
Amy
Klobuchar (DFL) |
Norm
Coleman (R) |
Other |
Undecided |
| Survey USA |
November 2–6, 2011 |
543 |
± 4.3% |
50% |
37% |
— |
14% |
| Public Policy Polling |
December 4–5, 2010 |
949 |
± 3.2% |
54% |
40% |
— |
6% |
| Poll source |
Date(s)
administered |
Sample
size |
Margin of
error |
Amy
Klobuchar (DFL) |
Tom
Emmer (R) |
Other |
Undecided |
| Public Policy Polling |
December 4–5, 2010 |
949 |
± 3.2% |
56% |
38% |
— |
6% |
| Poll source |
Date(s)
administered |
Sample
size |
Margin of
error |
Amy
Klobuchar (DFL) |
Pete
Hegseth (R) |
Other |
Undecided |
| Public Policy Polling |
May 31-June 3, 2012 |
973 |
± 3.1% |
56% |
28% |
— |
16% |
| Poll source |
Date(s)
administered |
Sample
size |
Margin of
error |
Amy
Klobuchar (DFL) |
Anthony
Hernandez (R) |
Other |
Undecided |
| Public Policy Polling |
January 21–22, 2012 |
1,236 |
± 2.8% |
55% |
29% |
— |
16% |
| Poll source |
Date(s)
administered |
Sample
size |
Margin of
error |
Amy
Klobuchar (DFL) |
Erik
Paulsen (R) |
Other |
Undecided |
| Public Policy Polling |
December 4–5, 2010 |
949 |
± 3.2% |
52% |
34% |
— |
14% |
| Poll source |
Date(s)
administered |
Sample
size |
Margin of
error |
Amy
Klobuchar (DFL) |
Dan
Severson (R) |
Other |
Undecided |
| Public Policy Polling |
May 31-June 3, 2012 |
973 |
± 3.1% |
55% |
27% |
— |
19% |
| Survey USA |
January 31-February 2, 2012 |
542 |
± 4.3% |
56% |
29% |
— |
15% |
| Public Policy Polling |
January 21–22, 2012 |
1,236 |
± 2.8% |
55% |
32% |
— |
13% |
| Survey USA |
November 2–6, 2011 |
543 |
± 4.3% |
55% |
23% |
— |
22% |
| Public Policy Polling |
May 27–30, 2011 |
1,179 |
± 2.9% |
56% |
28% |
— |
16% |
| Poll source |
Date(s)
administered |
Sample
size |
Margin of
error |
Amy
Klobuchar (DFL) |
Dave
Thompson (R) |
Other |
Undecided |
| Public Policy Polling |
May 27–30, 2011 |
1,179 |
± 2.9% |
55% |
28% |
— |
17% |
|
Results
[24]
United States Senate election in Minnesota, 2012
| Party |
Candidate |
Votes |
% |
± |
|
DFL |
Amy Klobuchar (Incumbent) |
1,852,526 |
65.2 |
+7.1 |
|
Republican |
Kurt Bills |
869,089 |
30.6 |
-7.3 |
|
Independence |
Stephen Williams |
73,559 |
2.6 |
-0.6 |
|
Grassroots |
Tim Davis |
30,465 |
1.1 |
n/a |
|
Open Progressive
|
Michael Cavlan |
13,933 |
0.5 |
n/a |
| Majority |
983,437 |
34.6 |
+14.4 |
| Turnout |
|
|
|
|
DFL hold |
Swing |
|
|
See also
References
- 1 2 http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=239
- ↑ Grow, Doug (August 22, 2011). "GOP ready to go after Sen. Klobuchar but has a problem: no first-tier candidate". MinnPost.com. Retrieved August 26, 2011.
- ↑ "Convicted felon Jack Shepard, exiled in Italy, files again to run for U.S. Senate". MinnPost. June 1, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
- ↑ "Fugitive U.S. Senate candidate Shepard sues Huffington Post, says he's not an arsonist". MinnPost. June 27, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
- 1 2 3 "Statewide Results for U.S. Senator". Minnesota Secretary of State. August 15, 2012. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
- ↑ "Bills wins GOP nod for U.S. Senate", by Rachel E. Stassen, May 18, 2012, Minneapolis Star Tribune
- ↑ "Minnesota's Cookie Cutter GOP", by Bob Carney Jr., May 27, 2012, Minneapolis Star Tribune
- ↑ http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/138040813.html
- 1 2 Scheck, Tom (February 2, 2011). "Who will run against Klobuchar?". MPR. Retrieved February 2, 2011.
- ↑ Klein, Rick (February 1, 2011). "Sen. Norm Coleman Passes on Klobuchar Challenge". ABC News. Retrieved February 1, 2011.
- ↑ Catanese, David (January 10, 2011). "Outside Arizona". Politico. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
- 1 2 Miller, Tricia (January 24, 2011). "Republicans Try Tying Klobuchar to Franken". Roll Call. Retrieved January 24, 2011.
- ↑ http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/127703568.html
- ↑ http://www.rollcall.com/news/pawlenty_rules_out_senate_run_after_ending_presidential_bid-208214-1.html?pos=hln
- ↑ Scheck, Tom (February 3, 2011). "Stanek not interested in 2012 run". MPR. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
- ↑ Richert, Catharine (July 28, 2011). "Thompson won't run for U.S. Senate". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
- ↑ "Minn. Independence Party not in 2012 Senate race". Real Clear Politics. November 12, 2011. Retrieved November 15, 2011.
- ↑ "Independence Party stays out of U.S. Senate race, opposes constitutional amendments". Politics in Minnesota. 25 June 2011. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
- 1 2 Condon, Patrick (June 6, 2012). "Minn. 3rd party gets contested Senate primary". Associated Press. Star Tribune. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
- ↑ http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/09/18/politics/klobuchar-bills-debate/
- ↑ "Federal Election Commission". Summary Reports Search. July 25, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- ↑ "Center for Responsive Politics". Top Contributors. September 3, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- ↑ "Center for Responsive Politics". Top Industries. September 3, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- ↑ "Statewide Results for U.S. Senator". sos.state.mn.us. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
External links
- Official campaign websites
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