Two longtime state representatives appeared poised late Tuesday to become the newest commissioners in Dakota and Scott counties.

In Dakota County, Mary Liz Holberg, a 16-year state representative, had a strong lead over Chuck Halberg, who has also served as a state representative and senator, for a spot representing Lakeville on the County Board.

In Scott County, six-term state Rep. Mike Beard, the lead Republican on the House Transportation Committee, had a widening lead over Deb Barber late Tuesday.

Holberg and Beard were among a handful of legislators who opted to run for county boards this year. The county jobs pay significantly more and usually involve fewer late nights and less partisan bickering.

"I'm looking forward to no 'gotcha' amendments in the middle of the night, because as I understand, we're usually done by 3 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon," Beard joked at a candidate forum on Oct. 23.

Beard and Barber ran for the seat held by Dave Menden, who is stepping down. In her campaign, Barber emphasized the need for new leadership to serve a changing Shakopee.

Scott County Commissioner Jon Ulrich led by a wide margin early in the night over first-time candidate Arnie Andreasen.

In Dakota County, three of the board's seven seats were on the ballot. In addition to Holberg, incumbents Mike Slavik and Kathleen Gaylord had significant leads in their districts late Tuesday. Slavik had 65 percent of the votes against challenger Mark Henry. Gaylord was trumping Bill Jungbauer.

Other Dakota County races

Across Dakota County, mayors and city council members mostly held their positions.

In Mendota Heights, Mayor Sandra Krebsbach was leading Neil Garlock, who served on the city's police force for 24 years.

Two mayors ran unopposed, in Lakeville and Eagan, two of Dakota County's largest cities.

In nearby Apple Valley, Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland quickly took a substantial lead over challenger Gene Rechtzigel in her quest for a fifth term.

But in West St. Paul, Mayor John Zanmiller was trailing David Meisinger, a former mayor of the city. John Bellows, a West St. Paul native and Planning Commission member, was leading John Ramsay for an open City Council seat.

The sheriff's seat was also open in Dakota County. Tim Leslie, the chief deputy to outgoing Sheriff Dave Bellows, appeared poised to step into the top job. He was facing Herb Kotek, who was a deputy in Dakota County until 2004. Bellows did not seek re-election.

Jessie van Berkel, Emma Nelson