Posted: 11/14/06
Ropes new state senator
A three way race for State Senate District 31 resulted in a win for DFL candidate Sharon Ropes of Winona.
Ropesí total was 14,270 to 10,802 for Republican Brenda Johnson of Chatfield. Independent candidate Kevin Kelleher, a Houston County Commissioner, took way only 5,428 votes.
In Houston County, Ropes had a slim margin of victory, garnering 3,427 votes to 3,333 for Johnson and 2,250 for Kelleher.
This was Ropesí second attempt to win the seat most recently held by Bob Kierlin (IR) of Winona. Ropes waged an unsuccessful campaign to unseat Kierlin four years ago. Kierlin decided not to run for reelection.
A registered nurse and Navy veteran, Ropes campaigned on affordable health care and education issues. She is currently state president of the Minnesota PTA and served as chair of the Winona Area School Board.
Kelleher has served on the Houston County Board since 1991.
Ropes won eight precincts in Houston, including Black Hammer Township; Brownsville City, Caledonia City (precincts 1 and 2), Hokah City, precincts 2 and 3 in La Crescent City, and Spring Grove City.
Kelleher tied with Johnson in Brownsville Township with 59 votes to 58 for Ropes. Kelleher also won Mound Prairie, Sheldon, Houston and Money Creek Townships and the City of Houston.
Johnson received the majority of votes in the townships of Caledonia, Crooked Creek, Hokah, Jefferson, La Crescent, Mayville, Spring Grove, Union, Wilmington, Winnebago and Yucatan and precinct 1 in the City of La Crescent.
District 31 B also includes Fillmore and Winona Counties.
In Fillmore County, Ropes received 3,714 votes. Kelleher had 1,514 votes and Johnson had 1,354.
In Winona County, Ropes had 7,129 votes, and Johnson received 6,115. Kelleher had 1,664 votes in Winona County.
The Argus was not able to reach the candidates in this race for their responses.
Caledonia Argus
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