Dayton pulls ahead; Kelliher fights on (MN Gubernatorial Primary)

[Morning Dew]

http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/100401809.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU1yDEmP:QMDCinchO7DU

After an achingly close contest that touched off fears of a recount, DFLer Mark Dayton was pulling ahead of Margaret Anderson Kelliher in a primary and was poised to move on in the race to be Minnesota's next governor.

After midnight, with 97 percent of the vote counted, the former U.S. senator led Kelliher by about 4,500 votes -- enough that no recount would be needed.

But the House speaker wasn't conceding. "We're not making any decisions. ... Hang in there," Kelliher said early Wednesday.

For Dayton, who spent much of the night trailing DFL-endorsed Kelliher, it was yet another comeback in a political career that has had more ups and downs than a roller coaster.

[DFLforever]

1. Lord. I hope she's not going to act like Hillary Clinton

and have to be dragged out of the race.

I feel for MK. It must be a colossal disappointment to lose the primary. But she can't be shocked that the last votes coming in from Northern MN all went for Dayton.

[MineralMan]

2. There's a DFL Unity Rally scheduled for this morning.

I expect that Margaret will show up there and concede, followed by a pledge to fully support Mark Dayton. She's not going to ask for a recall.

[Odin2005]

3. Kelliher is an ungracious prick.