Willmar and Kandiyohi County face a new political reality today -- no matter which side of the political aisle you sit on.
Tuesday's election results have brought forth a political sea of change. Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar, was defeated in District 13. In Minnesota the DFL strengthened its hold on the Senate and won control of the House; while the Republicans narrowly kept Tim Pawlenty as governor and lost their hold on all other state constitutional offices and the House. Nationally, the GOP lost control of both the House and the Senate.
It is a new political dawn -- a watershed year politically.
We have just witnessed the miracle of democracy. No matter what the winning margin -- be it one vote or thousands -- the people collectively make decisions on Election Day.
Willmar's loss: The defeat of Johnson will have a political impact for this town and county for a long time.
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It makes no difference what you think of Sen.-elect Joe Gimse, R-Willmar, the political reality is this: The loss of the Senate majority leader status will hurt our community, county and region for years to come.
Various projects no longer have the Senate majority leader championing their cause. Johnson has been that strong advocate for years and his voice will be missed.
The political reality of this may first be felt in the location decision of a future state veterans' home, state assistance for Willmar's new waterwater treatment plant or state Highway 23 funding.
Willmar's image has also taken a hit. Whether you agree with it or not, Willmar is developing an image of intolerance within Minnesota. Whether this is indeed true or not, Willmar has to figure out how to deal with that perception.
Thank you, Sen. Johnson: You have served Willmar and the surrounding community well for 30 years as well as serving our country in the National Guard.
You have served both the Minnesota Republican and DFL parties well, being nominated by both and serving in leadership roles for each.
You have stood strong for fairness for all Minnesotans in recent years. You made some mistakes, but you never forgot Willmar.
A perfect storm of factors combined in opposition to your re-election during this election year. Under the avalanche of negative campaigning, your opposition has achieved its goal --your defeat. Yet, Minnesota "nice" and its fairness remain better off due to your leadership.
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You should take satisfaction that Willmar and Kandiyohi County have benefited greatly from your 30 years of service and wisdom.
For that we thank you.
That service and benefit are things that Willmar and Kandiyohi County have apparently forgotten.
We wish you well in your future.
Good luck, Sen.-elect Gimse: We congratulate you on your victory. You worked hard for this win. You did not shrink from your previous political defeats.
However, the new senator-elect is already displaying some political naiveté. Your claim Wednesday about getting your choices on committee assignments is lacking in significant political reality.
First, your political party is in the minority in the Senate and Sen. Dick Day may not even remain the Senate minority leader. Second, you will not get an easy road from Senate Democrats as you just defeated their leader. Third, accomplishments in the Senate come with seniority. The political reality is that you, Willmar and Kandiyohi County are facing a long political winter.
We wish you well. Your success or failure as a senator in the future will impact each of us.
