Voters to select a senator to replace Ellen Anderson

Voters in Falcon Heights and part of St. Paul will choose the next member of the Minnesota Senate Tuesday in a special election.

Democrat Mary Jo McGuire and Republican Greg Copeland are vying to replace DFL Sen. Ellen Anderson. Anderson retired from the Senate in March after Gov. Mark Dayton appointed her to chair the Public Utilities Commission.

McGuire is a former state representative from Falcon Heights who retired in 2002 after redistricting put her into a House district with another Democrat.

Copeland is the former city manager of Maplewood.

No matter who wins, the special election won't swing the balance of power in the Senate. Republicans currently hold a seven-seat majority in that body.

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