The Retailers Edge | Minnesota Retailers Assocation

Nearly three million Minnesota voters cast their ballots in the 2008 election. The Democrats won a decisive victory in the presidential election, while the Republicans won a close race for the U.S. Senate seat, although a recount will take place. Currently our of 2.8 million votes cast, Sen Coleman leads by approximately 250 votes. All incumbents in Minnesota's eight-member U.S. House delegation won re-election, with Republicans winning the two hotly contested races. Minnesota Democrats (Democratic-Farmer-Laborites, or "DFLers") picked up both Minnesota State Senate seats that were up for grabs, although a recount will be conducted in one of the races. And while the DFLers picked up two seats in the Minnesota House, they fell short of the 90-vote majority required to override a veto by Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty.President-elect Barack Obama's coattails did not appear to benefit other Minnesota Democrats-notably Al Franken. This could be a sign that voters were acting independently. Given the unprecedented amounts spent on political campaigns and the fact that it was a presidential election year, voters also may have come to the polls more engaged and knowledgeable than in previous years. Further, Republicans who supported Obama may have been persuaded by arguments against giving total control of the government to the Democrats, motivating them to split their tickets and vote Republican in the statewide and local races.

The statewide voice of retail known as the Minnesota Retailers Association is rolling out branding changes that include a new Website, logo, tag line and color scheme.

Yes, it is the first election in 20 years when a Bush or Clinton is not running for re-election. Yes, it is the first election in history when an African American is running for President as the nominee of a major political party. Yes, it is the fist election in history when a woman is running for Vice President on the Republican ticket.

That's what seems to be in the headlines daily.

Nevertheless, that is a look at politics at the 50,000 foot level. However, there are many other specific and significant matters to consider when it comes to this election that will affect your daily life.