Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today called a special election to fill the State Senate vacancies in Districts 16 and 63. The District 16 vacancy was created by the resignation of Senator Betsy L. Wergin, who Governor Pawlenty appointed to the Public Utilities Commission. The District 63 vacancy was created by the resignation of State Senator Dan Larson.

The writ of special election issued by the Governor sets the special election for Tuesday, November 4, 2008. If a special primary election is necessary, it will be on Tuesday, September 9, 2008.

Anyone interested in running in SD 16 and 63 may file affidavits and petitions of candidacy with the Secretary of State from Tuesday, July 15, 2008, until 5:00 p.m., Monday, July 21, 2008.

Following is the text of the Governor’s writ of Special Election:

WRIT OF SPECIAL ELECTION

WRIT OF SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL A VACANCIES
IN THE OFFICE OF STATE SENATOR
FOR SENATE DISTRICT 16 IN BENTON,
MILLE LACS, MORRISON AND SHERBURNE
COUNTIES AND SENATE DISTRICT 63
IN HENNEPIN COUNTY AND OF A SPECIAL
PRIMARY TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES
FOR THE SPECIAL ELECTIONS

To the People of the State of Minnesota, and particularly of Senate District 16 in Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison and Sherburne Counties and Senate District 63 in Hennepin County; to the Secretary of State of Minnesota; to the auditors of Benton, Hennepin, Mille Lacs, Morrison and Sherburne Counties; to all election officials in Senate Districts 16 and 63; and to all others who may be concerned:

WHEREAS, there is a vacancy in the office of State Senator for Senate District 16 of the State of Minnesota, caused by the resignation of Senator Betsy L. Wergin, effective July 28, 2008; and

WHEREAS, there is a vacancy in the office of State Senator for Senate District 63 of the State of Minnesota, caused by the resignation of Senator Dan Larson, effective November 5, 2008; and

WHEREAS, special elections are necessary to fill these vacancies to assure representation for the citizens of Senate Districts 16 and 63.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim Pawlenty, as Governor of the State of Minnesota, acting under the authority and direction vested in me by the Minnesota Constitution, Article IV, Section 4, Minnesota Statutes, Sections 204D.17 through 204D.27, 351.01, 351.02, 351.055, and other relevant statutes, do hereby direct that:

1. A special election to fill the vacancy will be held in Senate Districts 16 and 63 on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

2. A special primary, if necessary, for the nomination of candidates for the office of Senator for Senate District 16 and Senate District 63 will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2008.

3. Affidavits and petitions of candidacy for Senate District 16 and Senate District 63 must be filed with the secretary of state or with the county auditor of the county in which the candidate resides from Tuesday, July 15, 2008, until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2008.

4. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 204D.23, subd. 5, affidavits of withdrawal for Senate Districts 16 and 63 may be filed with the Secretary of State until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2008.

5. Notices of this special election and special primary must be given, the nomination and election of candidates must be conducted, and all things pertaining thereto must be done as provided by Minnesota Statutes, Sections 204D.17 through 204D.27, and other applicable provisions of law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand at the Capitol, in the City of St. Paul, County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, on July 14, 2008.