Star Tribune reporter Kevin Duchschere sends this report from the field.
The Midtown Global Market, on Lake Street in Minneapolis, was the perfect spot to grab a quick election day lunch today for DFL-endorsee Margaret Anderson Kelliher – lots of good food to choose from and warm wishes from shoppers and fellow diners.
Kelliher, accompanied by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and state Sen. Patricia Torres Ray, swept through the food court and down the narrow aisles of the international marketplace, exchanging handshakes and big smiles.
"I'm feeling terrific," the candidate said while waiting to order a cubana at Manny's Tortas. "It seems at least in our small poll – here – people are very engaged."
She shook hands and patted the shoulder of Robert Kokott, a massage therapist who was eating lunch with family members and friends. "I have heard that you're for universal health care in Minnesota. Then you have my vote," Kokott told her.
"Thank you very much. I really appreciate it," she said.
After she moved on, Kokott said he typically supports Green Party candidates. Kelliher, he said, was a good fit for him.
"I'm actually excited. This is the first time since I moved to Minnesota (in 2001) that the DFL has chosen a candidate who can win," he said.
Andrew Heairet, a University of Minnesota senior majoring in chemistry, ran up to Kelliher with the fortune from his cookie: "Everyone around you is rooting for you. Don't give up!"
Heairet, who is student president of the College of Science and Engineering at the U – and whose home representative is Republican candidate Tom Emmer – said he's still trying to decide whether he will vote for Kelliher or DFL challenger Matt Entenza. He likes Entenza's focus on green energy, he said, but he thinks Kelliher has the best chance of winning in the fall.
"She's definitely very well qualified," he said.
