Walz, Johnson win straw polls for governor at Prior Lake precinct caucuses

Prior Lake American

The democratic process played out across two middle schools in Prior Lake Tuesday night.

Republicans and Democrats met separately to discuss party issues and have members choose which candidates the party generally prefers.

Republicans met at the Twin Oaks Middle School in rooms divided by precinct, while Democrats met in the cafeteria at Hidden Oaks Middle School sitting at tables, also divided by precinct.

DFL

Statewide, Democrats showed strong support for U.S. Rep. Tim Walz in the gubernatorial straw poll. State Auditor Rebecca Otto came in second and State Rep. Erin Murphy came in third.

In Prior Lake, 30 percent of attendees supported Walz. Walz has served as a U.S. representative since 2007. Nearly 24 percent supported Otto, who has served Minnesota as a state auditor, also since 2007. Just over 13 percent supported Murphy, who was elected in 2006.

GOP

Nearly half (45 percent) of Republicans statewide supported Jeff Johnson, a former House representative. Johnson served from 2001 to 2007. More than 15 percent put “undecided,” the next highest percentage. Keith Downey came in at third with just over 14 percent. Downey is the former chairman of the Republican party.

In Scott County, 142 people voted for Johnson for governor in the straw poll, along with 30 for Downey. Thirty-eight were undecided.

The conventions for both parties will be held March 10. The GOP side of the aisle will meet at Shakopee High School and DFLers will convene at Twin Oaks Middle School in Prior Lake.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the total votes in Scott County. Across the county, 142 voted for Johnson, 30 for Downey and 38 were undecided.