Hanson (right) has been dead for more than four months, but he still defeated
Throndson (left).
(By Aaron Rupar)
Man, you wonder how Jan Throndson is feeling this morning. Because yesterday, he lost his campaign for Rochester City Council president to a dead guy.SEE ALSO: MNGOP Rep. Keith Downey lists dead guys as supporters in newspaper ad (and loses election last night) Throndson was defeated by Denny Hanson, a longtime city councilor and businessman who died suddenly in June after suffering a brain aneurysm.
Hanson received 51.4 percent of the vote, compared to 43 percent for Throndson. Minnesota law prevented Hanson’s name from being removed from the ballot after he died, and family and friends decided to continue his campaign.
From the Rochester Post Bulletin:
“It was an unconventional type of election, obviously, and we had a simple message — vote for a choice. So the big winner is the city of Rochester. Now, others can step up to the plate, and we can have a choice,” [Hanson campaign director John] Eckerman said…
“Denny was a strong leader, and he served his ward for many years, and as city council president. But this was never about a sympathy vote. We never wanted to do that,” he said. Eckerman said the win was emotional for Hanson’s family and friends.
“It’s a vote for him again, the final time. And this is what Denny would want,” he said.
But, as evidenced by the comments on the Post Bulletin’s story, some aren’t happy about Hanson’s sentimental victory, as it means taxpayers will be on the hook for at least one more special election this spring, and perhaps multiple elections if more than two candidates file and a primary is needed.
Source: http://blogs.citypages.com