In Minnesota House Districts 37A and 37B, Democratic-Farmer-Labor and Republican candidates could be called flip-floppers.

The two districts swapped party affiliations in an election that saw the region targeted by Republicans hoping to gain enough seats to avoid DFL gubernatorial override power.

Republican Tara Mack unseated DFL incumbent Shelley Madore Tuesday, Nov. 4, for Minnesota House District 37A.

Mack received 11,666 votes, or 52.2 percent, to win the district, which covers parts of Apple Valley and Burnsville. Madore received 10,633 votes, or 47.6 percent.

Conversely, DFL candidate Phil Sterner defeated Republican Judy Lindsay in Minnesota House District 37B - formerly a Republican strong hold.

Sterner received 24,304 votes, or 52.1 percent to Lindsay's 11,388 votes, 46.9 percent. The district covers Rosemount and parts of Apple Valley.

The positions carry two-year terms with an annual $31,140 salary.

Statewide, DFLers increased their numbers by two seats in the House of Representatives. Final numbers in the House races will not be certified until the State Canvassing Board meets later this month, but it appears the DFL will hold 87 seats to the Republicans 47 when the 86th legislative session begins Jan. 6. A gubernatorial override requires 90 votes.

"We're switching the majority responsibilities," said Rep. Dennis Ozment, R-37B, who is retiring after 24 years in the position.

He said Mack and Sterner, both freshman legislators, would find their positions exciting. He added that Sen. Chris Gerlach, R-37, would continue to provide strong leadership to the entire district.

Mack, 25, said she was overwhelmed by the support she received.

"It's a pretty amazing feeling," said the Apple Valley resident on election night. "I'm excited for the opportunity to represent the community that I've lived in my entire life."

Mack, who has worked three years as a legislative assistant in the House of Representatives, defeated Madore. Mack said it was a race targeted by her party.

"It was very competitive because it has always been a more conservative area," she said. "[Madore] was the first DFL representative to be elected to the area in over 20 years. It had been a major change in 2006 and it was something that Republicans could win back."

Madore of Apple Valley said her legislative record was misrepresented in around 30 mailers from independent groups just days before the election. Television commercials, e-mail campaigns and phone calls pushed election expenses well beyond what's normal for 37A, she said.

"The citizens have a right to make a change," Madore said, "but that's not how we should be running races down here. There was not a single piece [of mail] that said how a problem was gong to be solved, and that's an issue."

Madore said she would continue to advocate for citizens with disabilities and work toward healthcare reform. Without her presence, she said someone will need to step up to protect Apple Valley's interests in transit, which could mean raising taxes.

"I do hope that there's courage there to do that because Apple Valley needs that kind of support," she said.

Mack said she'd first and foremost be focused on the economy.

"Right now we're seeing our business climate suffer greatly in Minnesota and that's a huge concern," she said, adding she'd like to look at the state's tax structure and make it more competitive for job growth.

In District 37B, Ozment said he didn't expect much to change despite the move to DFL leadership.

"Over the years I know Phil has expressed support for many of my positions in the past, especially regarding the environment," he said. "I don't see anything drastically changing from a district standpoint."

He added that it could help the area because of the DFL House majority.

"That's usually a good thing for the district," Ozment said. "I think that he has a lot to work with."

Sterner, president of Sterner Insurance Agency and current Rosemount City Council member, said his moderate status helped him win the election. He looked forward to bi-partisan work on priorities like job growth and lowering property taxes.

"As a moderate, I work with both sides and I think that really works out here," said Sterner. "I think that's what people in this district are looking for - people that work together and are positive. I try to always give that message."

Lindsay, a small-business owner, is a former member of the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan District 196 School Board. Election results also included 248 write-in votes for approximately 1 percent of the turnout.

(You are invited to comment about this story on our website at www.mnsun.com and/or write a letter to the editor at suncurrentsouth@acnpapers.com.)

Mack, who has worked three years as a legislative assistant in the House of Representatives, defeated Madore. Mack said it was a race targeted by her party.

"It was very competitive because it has always been a more conservative area," she said. "[Madore] was the first DFL representative to be elected to the area in over 20 years. It had been a major change in 2006 and it was something that Republicans could win back."

Madore of Apple Valley said her legislative record was misrepresented in around 30 mailers from independent groups just days before the election. Television commercials, e-mail campaigns and phone calls pushed election expenses well beyond what's normal for 37A, she said.

"The citizens have a right to make a change," Madore said, "but that's not how we should be running races down here. There was not a single piece [of mail] that said how a problem was gong to be solved, and that's an issue."

Madore said she would continue to advocate for citizens with disabilities and work toward healthcare reform. Without her presence, she said someone will need to step up to protect Apple Valley's interests in transit, which could mean raising taxes.

"I do hope that there's courage there to do that because Apple Valley needs that kind of support," she said.

Mack said she'd first and foremost be focused on the economy.

"Right now we're seeing our business climate suffer greatly in Minnesota and that's a huge concern," she said, adding she'd like to look at the state's tax structure and make it more competitive for job growth.

In District 37B, Ozment said he didn't expect much to change despite the move to DFL leadership.

"Over the years I know Phil has expressed support for many of my positions in the past, especially regarding the environment," he said. "I don't see anything drastically changing from a district standpoint."

He added that it could help the area because of the DFL House majority.

"That's usually a good thing for the district," Ozment said. "I think that he has a lot to work with."

Sterner, president of Sterner Insurance Agency and current Rosemount City Council member, said his moderate status helped him win the election. He looked forward to bi-partisan work on priorities like job growth and lowering property taxes.

"As a moderate, I work with both sides and I think that really works out here," said Sterner. "I think that's what people in this district are looking for - people that work together and are positive. I try to always give that message."

Lindsay, a small-business owner, is a former member of the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan District 196 School Board. Election results also included 248 write-in votes for approximately 1 percent of the turnout.

(You are invited to comment about this story on our website at www.mnsun.com and/or write a letter to the editor at suncurrentsouth@acnpapers.com.)