Minnesota voters did a lot of ticket splitting -- electing leading statewide candidates from different parties -- in the 1980s. But then they took a break, only to resume the pattern two years ago. Whether they'll do it again this year is a critical question heading toward Election Day.
Minnesota's recent "split" outcomes in major statewide elections:
1982
Senate: Dave Durenberger, R
Governor: Rudy Perpich, D
1984
President: Walter Mondale, D
Senate: Rudy Boschwitz, R
1988
President: Michael Dukakis, D
Senate: Dave Durenberger, R
1990
Senate: Paul Wellstone, D
Governor: Arne Carlson, R
2006
Senate: Amy Klobuchar, D
Governor: Tim Pawlenty, R
Sources: Secretary of State Office, Legislative Manual
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