New Sheriff(s ) in Town

A political rarity of sorts as a result of yesterday’s elections in southeast Minnesota as voters picked several new sheriffs, including some that sent the incumbent looking for another job. Traditionally, sheriffs hold on to their jobs for years until they retire.  But that wasn’t the case in this part of the state this year.  And in three races, the incumbent was knocked out by a member of his staff.

The most visible race in the Rochester area was for Olmsted County Sheriff and it was won by Captain Kevin Torgerson.  He had an overwhelming victory over his boss Dave Mueller, who was seeking a second term.  Dodge County Sheriff Jim Jensen lost his re-election bid to Scott Rose, one of his deputies.  Freeborn County Sheriff Bob Kindler also lost to one of his deputies, Kurt Freitag.  And Houston County Sheriff Doug Ely lost to Mark Inglett, a state trooper.

Longtime Winona County Sheriff  Dave Brand decided to retire this year and two of his retired deputies were seeking the job.  Ron Ganrude ended up the winner, defeating Bill Spitzer, who is also the outgoing mayor of St. Charles.

Fillmore County Sheriff Daryl Jensen also decided not to run again this year and one of his deputies - Brian Miner - ran for the office. But he lost in a close race to Tom Kaase, who is also a Fillmore County Commissioner, a job he will step down from.  Due to pension reasons, Kaase retired yesterday as a lieutenant with the Rochester Police Department.

One area sheriff who kept his job was Rod Bartsch in Wabasha County. He defeated challenger Scott O’Hara by more than 3,000 votes.