Rob Ecklund is the new Minnesota House 3A Representative.
Democratic-Farm-Labor candidate Rob Ecklund of International Falls, a Koochiching County commissioner, claimed the Minnesota House of Representatives House 3A seat by a large margin in the December 8, 2015 special election. Ecklund will take the seat made vacant by the untimely passing of Representative David Dill, who died August 8, 2015.
Ecklund garnered 63.85 percent of the vote. He defeated Republican Roger Skraba of Ely who received 19.46 percent of the vote and independent candidate Kelsey Johnson of Babbitt who received 15.91 percent of ballots cast.
Opponents offer well wishes
After the polls closed, Skraba sent out an email. He wrote, “I want to send out this heartfelt congratulations to Rob Ecklund on a victory in the House 3A race. Rob ran a very civilized race and I look forward to working with him in the near future.
“I also want to thank Kelsey Johnson for running an excellent campaign. She gave voters a choice they normally do not have. I applaud her tenacity and wish her well in future endeavors.”
Skraba added, “The people of 3A could not lose this time around. Maybe they will support a Republican in the future, I know I will.”
Johnson said she was pleased with her third-party election results, especially that she won in her district. “I was very happy to win in my little township. They’ve watched me grow up, so that speaks volumes that I received their support. Now I just need to spread that message a bit farther.”
That said, Johnson said she wasn’t committing to running for office again. She said she was going back to work as an advocate for the Grocery Manufacturers Association.
However, Johnson said the thing she heard over and over as she campaigned on the North Shore was that people feel their concerns are not being heard in St. Paul. “Representative David Dill did a fantastic job bridging the gap. I hope that Representative Ecklund continues that work and really becomes part of the community,” she said.
And Johnson added she hopes that all community leaders will work to diversify the economy of District 3A.
Overall, Johnson said, “I think it was a worthwhile endeavor. It exposed me to some wonderful people.”
Next steps for Ecklund
Reached by phone the morning after the election, Ecklund said, “I’m humbled that the people of House District 3A have shown confidence in me. I’ve met some terrific people along the way.”
Ecklund added that he was honored to have gained the support of Tucky and Drake Dill, the wife and son of the late Representative Dill. “We have to remember that we lost a true giant. My heart goes out to Tucky and Drake,” said Ecklund.
Ecklund said he is figuring out the next steps. He said the canvassing board should complete its work by December 14. Once that is done, he will submit his letter of resignation as Koochiching County commissioner. “I still have some duties there,” said Ecklund.
Ecklund said he spoke with House Minority Leader Representative Paul Thissen after the polls closed. Thissen will contact him with information on taking the oath of office.
Ecklund is looking forward to getting to work at the Capitol, possibly at a special session regarding the extension of unemployment benefits for outof work miners. He also wants to ensure that there is a House 3A voice on the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB).
Ecklund acknowledged that there is a lot of “housekeeping” to take care of, but he has temporary lodging lined up with a high school classmate, Representative Mike Sundin of Esko. “I’ve spent so much time at the Capitol that I know the nooks and crannies,” he said. “Overall, I’m really excited.”
Ecklund will continue his employment at Boise Paper in International Falls and divide his time between St. Paul and International Falls where he lives with his wife Joan and their three children, Nick, Jared and Cory.
Ecklund defeated three other DFL candidates— Bill Hansen of Tofte; Eric Johnson of International Falls; and Heidi Omerza of Ely in the September 29 primary. He received several key endorsements in the primary, from the late David Dill’s son, Drake Dill, from the Associated Contract Loggers & Truckers of Minnesota and United Steel Workers District 11.
After his primary loss, Bill Hansen lent his support to Ecklund as well.
Ecklund will represent northern St. Louis, Cook, Lake, and Koochiching counties in the Minnesota House. House District 3A is the largest geographic district in Minnesota.
Loading Comments