By Louis Hoglund

For the Otter Tail County-Pelican Rapids lakes area, Jason Satter was something of a “hometown favorite” in his bid to win as a Democrat in a historically Republican area.  

But it wasn’t enough.  

Winner Tom Murphy also had plenty of local credentials—and the Republican swept into the Minnesota State House of Representatives District 9B seat by a margin of 15,322-6,431.

Satter, a volunteer coach in the Pelican Rapids schools, a lake, and water quality advocate, an eduction supporter, and a small-town boy, Satter made it “close” in Pelican’s lake country neighborhoods.  He lost 296-233 in Dunn Township. In Lida, he collected 217 votes, to Murphy’s 250. In Dora Township, he lost by a 255-172 margin. 

Close—for a Democrat.  

But Murphy’s winning margin in every single precinct—77 in all—seemed to reaffirm the Republican grip on the electorate.  

In population bases like Perham, Murphy won two to one—at 754-365.  New York Mills: It was Murphy, 294-115.  

It was a little closer in Battle Lake, where Satter lost by a 246-172 margin. 

In Dead Lake and Star Townships, Murphy carried the day two-to-one. 

Murphy carried the city of Vergas 104-62.