Business always has a stake in an election. We have watched this election with great suspense and anticipation. Now that it’s over, it’s time for a few observations:

Bush versus Kerry:
Bush is celebrating a razor thin victory. Expect a good year in the stock market. However, we can all count on record deficits and the expansion of the role of the federal government. If all goes well with the war in Iraq, business can expect a few good years. If the war continues to go badly or oil prices jump, expect the second, third, and final years of the Bush presidency to bring hard times for business. Regardless of the outcome in Iraq, businesses should be concerned with Bush’s success at record deficits.

The Smoking Ban:
The defeat of the ban was a big surprise in Duluth. While the Chamber remained officially neutral regarding this issue, we salute the grass roots efforts of former State Representative Dale Swapinski, who single handedly lead the fight against the American Lung Association. Our respect for Swapinski does not mean that we endorse the outcome of the referendum. Rather, Mr. Swapinski was able to capitalize on Pat McCoen’s poor public image. Furthermore, Duluthians may have viewed the Lung Association as too well financed and heavy handed.

State Representative 7B:
Jaros versus Marczak: No surprise here. Jaros will represent this district until he decides to retire or is involved in a scandal.

State Representative 7A:
Huntley versus Peterson: Initial returns favored Peterson, but in the end Huntley crushed Peterson. Huntley deserved to be re-elected. He is likely the most respected health care policy expert in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Further, people assumed Peterson’s leadership of the Ten Commandments movement would carry him to victory over Huntley. At the end of the day, Huntley stuck to his policies and was affirmed by his district.

County Commissioner District 1:
Fink versus VanVactor: VanVactor ran a great race but was unable to unseat Fink. Fink’s tenacity and work ethic led him to victory. Fink is seen as hard working and straight forward. Expect to see Fink as a long term commissioner.

County Commissioner District 2:
Fay versus O’Neil: O’Neil outworked Fay, plain and simple. Fay was also hurt by her recent campaign for Duluth Mayor. Too bad she took that gamble. Fay was a hard working policy analyst who worked to keep the county budget in line. O’Neil, who ran in some respects as a moderate, has the potential to be a good commissioner.

County Commissioner District 3:
Kron - unopposed. Congratulations Mr. Kron.

County Commissioner District 5:
Sweeny versus Landstrom: No surprise. Last year, Sweeny was opposed by Kay Knight. Many believed that Sweeny was in trouble. Yet, Sweeny crushed Knight - and she did it again this year when she crushed Landstrom. We are happy that Commissioner Sweeny is involved in the Chamber and has committed to work on issues that concern business owners and operators.