MN: Anti-ICE progressive elected Hennepin County Sheriff
First-time candidate Dave “Hutch” Hutchinson claimed victory Wednesday over Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, even as Stanek refused to concede in one of the biggest local upsets of Tuesday’s election.
Hutchinson’s winning margin to become the county’s top law enforcer was less than half a percentage point, but still high enough to avoid a publicly funded recount. Stanek remained quiet Wednesday, with a statement from his campaign saying the race was “too close to call” and that he would wait until next Tuesday’s canvassing board meeting before making any further decisions.
Yet Hutchinson moved forward by proclaiming his win and reaching out to the sheriff’s deputies’ union, which supported Stanek. On Wednesday afternoon, he appeared at City Hall with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
“The reason we got our name out there is because we worked harder with a lot less,” said Hutchinson. “I’m excited to lead the Sheriff’s Office.”
Frey was more succinct: “Looks like there’s a new sheriff in town.”
Hutchinson’s margin of victory was 0.44 percent, having gained more than 2,300 votes over Stanek. Stanek would have seven days after the canvassing meeting to call for a recount, which would be at his own expense.
Hutchinson’s unexpected win showed the stark divide between the county’s urban and suburban voters. Hutchinson, 39, a Metro Transit sergeant who lives in Bloomington, received the overwhelming support of urban precincts, while Stanek, 56, of Maple Grove, performed strongly in suburban Hennepin County.
http://www.startribune.com/dave-hutchinson-claims-victory-as-next-hennepin-county-sheriff-stanek-won-t-concede/499951441/