Republicans Sweep Mahaska County

Everyone studies the results as they come in to Mahaska County Courthouse November 2, 2010

Election day proved to be tough for the Democrats as a big Republican tide swept the state and nation. Nationally, the Republican Party gained around 64 seats in the House of Representatives to take back control of the house. In the US Senate, the Democrats were able to maintain control even after the Republicans were able to gain 6 seats. In Iowa, the Republicans were able to make several large gains including the governor’s seat. Incumbent Chet Culver became the first incumbent governor to lose re-election as former Governor Branstad defeated him 53% to 43.3%. Culver concede the race to Branstad around 11:00 pm last evening.

Ken Rozenboom (right) goes over some numbers on election night 2010

In his concession speech, Culver said that he had enjoyed serving the people from his campaign. In a statement after he conceded the race Culver said “I congratulate Governor Branstad on his victory tonight. I want to thank Lt. Governor Judge, my family, my campaign staff, my Governor’s Office staff, and all the other Iowans who have given us so much support and encouragement over the last four years. We’ve tried to look to the interests of the next generation, not just the next election, in positioning Iowa for a great future”

Guy Vander Linden (right) is seen talking with supporters and friends, election 2010

In a close race, Secretary of State Michael Mauro lost to Republican Challenger Matt Schultz. Schultz took the lead with about 75% of the vote had been reported and never gave it back.  Schultz defeated Mauro 50% to 47%. In other statewide contests, Incumbent State Auditor David Vaudt defeated challenger Jon Murphy 56% to 43%, Incumbent State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald defeated Republican challenger Dave Jamison 53% to 47%, Incumbent Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northy defeated Democrat challenger Francis Thicke 63% to 37%, and Incumbent Attorney General Tom Miller defeated Republican challenger Brenna Findley 56% to 44%.

Eric Palmer discusses recent returns with his campaign manager, election 2010

Senator Chuck Grassley also will be keep his senate seat. NBC News declared Grassley to be the winner shortly after the polls close. Grassley defeated Democrat challenger Roxanne Conlin 64% to 33%. Congressman  Leonard Boswell will also be returning to the House of Representative in January. Boswell defeated State Senator Brad Zaun 51% to 46%.

In another shocker of the evening, three Iowa Supreme Court justices were not retained. Final results showed each justice failing to receive retention with No to retention garnering 54% and Yes garnering 45%.

Iowa will also be getting a new land legacy bond. An amendment to the state constitution passed last evening 63% to 37% approving the establishment of a bond to be used for the improvement of soil and water resources.

CRI was on hand doing live election results from the Courthouse, election 2010

Iowa will not be having a constitutional convention. The constitutional convention question on yesterday’s ballot failed with it receiving only 33% of the vote for it and 67% against it.

Locally, in what was a closely contested race, Republican Guy Vander Linden defeated Incumbent State Representative Eric Palmer 53% to 47%. Palmer was seeking his third term to the state house. In a race that came down to absentee ballots, County Treasurer Sone Scott defeated Republican challenger Kent Frankenfeld 54% to 46%. Mahaska County will also be seeing a new person on the Board of Supervisors with Republican Ken Roozenboom coming in first place with 46%. Incumbent Greg Gordy will also be returning to the board of supervisors after coming in second with 40% of the vote. Independent challenger Reg Randau received 13% of the votes cast.

Guy Vander Linden is all smiles after pulling out the win in a tight race

You may view the election results on the county auditor’s website by clicking HERE. The results will be official once the board of supervisors canvass the results later next week.