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.
