By David Litin
Murphy News Service 

Minnesota voters have elected U.S. Sen. Al Franken and Gov. Mark Dayton — incumbent DFLers — to second terms.

The state’s election results contrast with major GOP victories across the country.

Franken’s win was by a much wider margin than his first election, a race against Norm Coleman that resulted in a lengthy recount.

“This was a tough campaign,” Franken said to at crowd at Minneapolis’ Hilton Hotel. “But every campaign these days are tough.”

Franken thanked fellow Sen. Amy Klobuchar for her help during his campaign.

“Minnesota is lucky to have her as a senator, and I am lucky to have her as a friend,” he said.

Klobuchar had kind words for Franken. “Whether he has helped 50,000 or 50 people, he has stood up for the people of Minnesota,” she said.

Franken’s campaign also received help from big names in the party, including former president Bill Clinton, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Massachusetts’ Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Dayton beat Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson with 50 percent of the votes compared to Johnson’s 44 percent.

Early voting returns were favoring Dayton when Johnson congratulated Dayton on his success a few hours after polls closed in Minnesota.

“I wish Gov. Dayton success because I want Minnesota to succeed,” he said addressing his supporters at the Loews Hotel.

Dayton told his supporters that it’s time to reunite as Minnesotans and not as DFLers or Republicans.

“I believe we all want what is best for Minnesota, but we disagree on the details,” he said. “Let’s begin agains to build a better Minnesota.”

Reporter David Litin is studying Journalism at the University of Minnesota.