Tuesday evening, as the votes were being tallied, Patch spoke with a number of candidates for state and local office in Mendota Heights and Inver Grove Heights.
The following is a collection of some of the best quotes we heard. Make sure to check out our pages on the Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights and Dakota County elections for more coverage.
Senate candidate Dwight Rabuse (R)
I feel exactly as I have for several months: I tell everyone ‘I’m not predicting victory, but I’m not assuming failure either.' ... We’ll see how much of that Minnesota Nice translates to Dwight Rabuse support.
Sen. Jim Metzen (DFL) on the advantage of moving into the Capitol should the Democrats retake the Senate.
We’re down where the trash[men] come down with the trucks and the horns are beeping in the back and the water jugs are coming out at different time—it’s much better in the majority, let’s put it that way.
Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL) on a large issue he’ll work on if re-elected.
Minnesota’s blessed with water. Water is kind of our oil, and protecting our water and making sure that we have good water quality helps our tourism, helps our industry, helps our quality of life.
Paul Mandell, Inver Grove Heights city council candidate
It’s the loneliness of the door knocking that gets to you. When you’re going door-to-door with 12,000, 13,000 households, you thrive on the contact with the people themselves. I’d get home from work and go out for two or three hours, but you don’t want to disturb people during dinner hour so it’s difficult.
George Tourville, Inver Grove Heights mayor
My opponent didn’t really do much, but I took a look at forging forward to tell the people of the city of Inver Grove that I still was interested in running, and if you’re going to run, you want to win.
Ultan Duggan, Mendota Heights mayoral candidate
I personally have knocked on over 1,900 doors. Our team has knocked on every door in Mendota Heights that we know of.
Sandra Krebsbach, Mendota Heights mayor
I think it’s a campaign that didn’t need to happen. Normally the mayor is not challenged, the city’s been doing well. And Mr. Duggan was in a safe spot, he’s in the middle of a four-year term [on the city council], and I think he just wanted it.
"I think it’s a campaign that didn’t need to happen. Normally the mayor is not challenged, the city’s been doing well. And Mr. Duggan was in a safe spot, he’s in the middle of a four-year term [on the city council], and I think he just wanted it." Sandra Krebsbach, Mendota Heights mayor
I echo your sentiments and would respectfully include the Fire Dept and Public Works and all the other city epmloyees as well. You hit it on the head! Hopefully it will trigger a revelation of who put her in power as well as who can remove her. I voted for "Mr. Duggan" (notice she does not even afford him the simple respect of even calling him Council Member Duggan) because he is not wrapped up in pomp and circumstance. He desires to do what is best for the city and its residents without the need to draw attention to himself and say, "Hey, everyone, look what I have done!" Councilman Duggan remains humble and cognizant of his position. God bless him.
What incredible gall! This person should be reminded that she is NOT the anointed mayor of this city, she is elected and as such, opposition is part of the job. I VOTED FOR ULTAN DUGGAN because I happen to think Madam Mayor is incompetent and should be replaced. She is naught but a do nothing official who offers nothing of vision to this growing community. She is interested in a narrow constituency; the rest of us could fall off a cliff. Ultan, run again.