Numbers show strong candidate turnout in Minnesota House races

The day has come: All the House candidates who wish to take part in the heated battle for control of the Legislature have stepped up, signed their names and filed their papers with the secretary of state.

Tuesday of this week ended the filing period for candidates in the November 2014. Close of business Thursday was the last day for candidates to change their minds and withdraw their candidacy.

With those dates gone, here's a look at the shape of this year's races for the Minnesota House.

This data is culled from the secretary of state's website and analyzed by the Star Tribune, with significant assistance from data whiz and lobbyist Gary N. Carlson.

House incumbents who filed to run: 119

Non-Incumbents who filed:162

Total number of candidates filed: 281

Internal fights

Republican primaries: 9

Democratic primaries: 5

Lucky Ducks

Candidates who have no opposition: 9

Candidates who filed for office and then withdrew their names.

Five is a crowd

Five candidates from three parties have filed to replace retiring Rep. Michael Beard, R-Shakopee:

Early birds and late filers:

A look at who filed when. Click on the date to see the list of candidates who filed on that date.

Retirees

House members who are not running again: 15

Party control history, from the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library: