State Senate District 59 Candidates

Story by Michelle Alimoradi

When State Senator Larry Pogemiller accepted an appointment by Governor Mark Dayton to head the State Office of Higher Education last October, he ended a legislative career that spanned more than three decades in the state House and the Senate. The sudden vacancy in Senate district 59, representing the eastern part of Minneapolis, including the University of Minnesota and Augsburg College areas, drew 5 Democrats and 1 Republican to contend for the spot.

Kari Dziedzic won the DFL primary last month over four challengers.

Ben Schwanke has been the only Republican in the contest from the start.

Both joined Michelle Alimoradi on the KFAI Weekly News in advance of the Special General Election, scheduled for Tuesday, January 10th, 2012.