Second Time the Charm? Obermueller to Give it Another Go

Lost in the story of widespread DFL victory across Minnesota was one painful loss:  Mike Obermueller lost to incumbent state Rep. Lynn Wardlow, R-38B, by just 163 votes out of more than 16,000 cast. 

In what has become one of Eagan’s worst-kept secrets, Obermueller will be making a return appearance in the 2008 campaign for the south metro House seat. 

Reached this week via email, Obermueller said the biggest thing he learned on the campaign trail was “how much of an impact one-on-one voter contact really has on a small election like one for state representative. People want to vote for a candidate they’ve met and who they know will be working hard for their interests in St. Paul.”  He said that the core campaign team has remained in place, and is looking forward to a rematch in 2008, despite the frustration of a tight loss last time.

Obermueller may not be alone, however, in his quest for a rematch — Carleton College administrator Chris Rasinen is considering a race for the DFL endorsement in 38B as well.  Several years ago, one serious DFL candidate running for the House in Eagan would have drawn laughter — now, not so much.

The interest in suburban races south of the Twin Cities has increased dramatically in the last two election cycles — DFL victories in Apple Valley, Burnsville, and even in 38B’s companion House and Senate districts have given local DFL units good reason to redouble their efforts at legislative offices.