2006 United States Senate election in Minnesota

Template:Future election The 2006 Minnesota U.S. Senate election will take place on November 7, 2006. The incumbent, Senator Mark Dayton, a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, announced he is retiring from the Senate thus leaving the seat open. Some analysts predict that this race will be the costliest and closest Senate election in 2006. There are currently at least 6 declared candidates vying for the seat.

Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidates

Announced

Amy Klobuchar - The Hennepin County Attorney. Klobuchar is the only DFL candidate that has ever been elected to or has held public office. As of 30 June, 2005 Klobuchar had more cash-on-hand than any other candidate, nearly $1,100,000. She has received public endorsements by 60 percent of the DFL legislators in Minnesota. Some consider her the favorite for the DFL endorsement process in May, 2006. [1]
Patty Wetterling - A children's safety advocate and failed DFL candidate for the Minnesota 6th Congressional District in 2004. In that election, Wetterling lost to the incumbent, Mark Kennedy, who is now the presumptive nominee for the GOP nomination in this Senate race. Wetterling has raised almost $750,000, but has spent almost half of it. Most of her contributions were very small, but she has received more than 11,000 contributions as of August, 2005.
Ford Bell - A philanthropist and veterinarian. Bell is the heir to the founder of General Mills, but has stated that he will not spend his own money in the race.

Republican Candidates

Announced

Rep. Mark Kennedy - The current U.S. Representative from Minnesota's 6th District and presumptive GOP nominee in this election.
Harold Shudlick (Republican) - Retired Minister

Other Political Parties

Michael Cavlan (Green) - Nurse, Independent Journalist
Robert Fitzgerald (Independent) - Public Access TV Show Director

Preceded by 2002	Minnesota U.S. Senate elections 2006	Succeeded by 2008