Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today called a special election to fill the State Senate vacancy in District 25. The vacancy was created by the resignation of State Senator Tom Neuville, who Governor Pawlenty appointed to a judgeship in the Third Judicial District.

The writ of special election issued by the Governor sets the special election for Thursday, January 3, 2008. If a special primary election is necessary, it will be on Tuesday, December 18, 2007.

Anyone interested in running in SD 25 may file affidavits and petitions of candidacy with the Secretary of State from Thursday, November 29, 2007, until 5:00 p.m., Thursday, December 6, 2007.

Senator Neuville has represented District 25, which includes Le Sueur County and portions of Rice, Scott and Sibley Counties, since 1991.

Following is the text of the Governor’s writ of Special Election:

WRIT OF SPECIAL ELECTION

WRIT OF SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL A VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF STATE SENATOR FOR SENATE DISTRICT 25 IN LE SUEUR, RICE, SCOTT AND SIBLEY COUNTIES AND OF A SPECIAL PRIMARY TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR THE SPECIAL ELECTION

To the People of the State of Minnesota, and particularly of Senate District 25 in Le Sueur, Rice, Scott and Sibley Counties; to the Secretary of State of Minnesota; to the auditors of Le Sueur, Rice, Scott and Sibley Counties; to all election officials in Senate District 25; and to all others who may be concerned:

WHEREAS, there is a vacancy in the office of State Senator for Senate District 25 of the State of Minnesota, caused by the resignation of Senator Thomas Neuville effective January 1, 2008; and

WHEREAS, a special election is necessary to fill this vacancy to assure representation for the citizens of Senate District 25.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim Pawlenty, as Governor of the State of Minnesota, acting under the authority and direction vested in me by the Minnesota Constitution, Article IV, Section 4, Minnesota Statutes 2006, Sections 204D.17 through 204D.27, 351.01, 351.02, 351.055, and other relevant statutes, do hereby direct that:

1. A special election to fill the vacancy will be held in Senate District 25 on Thursday, January 3, 2008.

2. A special primary, if necessary, for the nomination of candidates for the office of Senator for Senate District 25 will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2007.

3. Affidavits and petitions of candidacy for Senate District 25 must be filed with the Secretary of State from Thursday, November 29, 2007, until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2007.

4. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2006, Section 204D.23, subd. 5, affidavits of withdrawal for Senate District 25 may be filed with the Secretary of State until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 7, 2007.

5. Notices of this special election and special primary must be given, the nomination and election of candidates must be conducted, and all things pertaining thereto must be done as provided by Minnesota Statutes 2006, Sections 204D.17 through 204D.27, and other applicable provisions of law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand at the Capitol, in the City of St. Paul, County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, on November 28, 2007.