HOUSE DISTRICT 12B

Mike LeMieur convincingly defeated Rep. Al Doty, DFL-Royalton, after coming up 76 votes short two years ago in the House District 12B race.

With all precincts reporting, the totals were LeMieur, 8,940 and Doty, 6,721. LeMieur's percentage was 56.80 percent to 42.70 percent for Doty.

"It's definitely a lot better winning," LeMieur said early Wednesday. "It hasn't really sunk in but I'm humbled by the results."

LeMieur is a co-owner of a plumbing and heating business. He was a 20-year member of the Little Falls Fire Department. He graduated from Little Falls Community High School, the Wadena vo-tech and the St. Cloud vo-tech. LeMieur is a former president of the Little Falls City Council.

Doty said there was obviously a great deal of discontent among the voters. He said his short-term plans include taking his first vacation in four years. Doty said he enjoyed representing the people of District 4B and was proud of legislation he worked on regarding small towns, small businesses and veterans.

"I don't think I would have changed too much except the rhetoric that was used against me in the campaign," Doty said.

Doty was first elected to the post in 2006 and was re-elected in 2008. The close race was punctuated by charges and counter-charges of unfair advertising that was conducted by independent political organizations.

LeMieur is the nephew of former Rep. Steve Wenzel, DFL-Little Falls, who served in that legislative post for many years.

MIKE O'ROURKE may be reached at mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5860.