Emmer campaign hires Golnik, additional staff for recount battle

Ben Golnik

Ben Golnik, who oversaw the GOP’s successful effort to win control of the state Senate, will manage recount operations for Tom Emmer‘s gubernatorial campaign. Golnik previously served as executive director of the state Republican party.

The Emmer camp also announced that Matthew Kirkpatrick, an attorney and GOP activist, will assist with legal preparations for the recount effort. In addition, Janet Beihoffer will oversee volunteer recruitment for the Republican nominee. She is a former chair of the GOP in the 2nd Congressional District. Beihoffer resigned last year, citing efforts by fellow party activists to undermine her effectiveness.

Emmer currently trails DFL nominee Mark Dayton by less than 9,000 votes. If the margin remains within half a percentage point when the vote tallies are certified by the state canvassing board on November 23, there will be a manual recount of all ballots cast.