Tom Dimond

Aug 15, 2012

Osmek, Pugh, Metsa, Hawj win high-profile contests amid low voter turnout

The fields in all 201 Minnesota legislative contests this fall are now set after more than 40 primary races across the state were settled on Tuesday. In some instances, DFLers and Republicans won contests in partisan strongholds and have almost assuredly secured their place in the Legislature next session.

Aug 15, 2012

Who punched their ticket to the Capitol on Tuesday?

For most candidates getting past the primary election is merely the first electoral hurdle that must be surmounted prior to joining the Legislature. But for candidates in districts that tilt heavily in favor of either the DFL or GOP, the primary race can effectively serve as the only meaningful contest.

Aug 8, 2012

DFLers compete for safe seats in Twin Cities and on Iron Range

As the state’s late-summer primary date approaches next week, more DFL candidates find themselves in the midst of competitive intra-party contests than Republicans.

Jul 18, 2012

East side story

For the second consecutive election cycle, a St. Paul Senate district has no incumbent running. Two years ago the open seat in Senate District 67 attracted nine DFL candidates — easily the most challengers in the state.

Jun 20, 2012

Predicting 2012

n the four months since legislative maps were released, political strategists and journalists have been scrutinizing the new House and Senate districts to determine which ones favor Republicans or Democrats and where the key battlegrounds will be in 2012.

Jun 6, 2012

Flurry of retirements sets off scramble for House, Senate seats

It’s not uncommon for a legislator or two to announce their retirements after the end of session. But 2012 has seen more last-minute departures than many political pros can ever recall.

May 30, 2012

Both parties figure to see a handful of consequential legislative primaries

A handful of August primary elections are heating up across the state thanks to the new redistricting map, an uptick in legislative retirements and widespread dissatisfaction with the job lawmakers are doing in St. Paul.

Apr 2, 2012

Harrington heads to DFL primary in SD 67

Harrington faced two challengers - former St. Paul City Council member Tom Dimond and activist Foung Hawj - for the endorsement Saturday. After four ballots, Harrington led Dimond 46 to 40 percent, no where near the 60 percent threshold needed to earn the party's endorsement.

Mar 30, 2012