(Le Mars) — A large voter turnout was present for the special election for the State Senate District 3 seat. Republican, Jim Carlin of Sioux City was able to defeat the Democrat candidate Todd Wendt of Le Mars. The final vote tally had Carlin with a large margin for his victory. Carlin picked up 3591 votes to
Wendt’s 2988. Interesting that neither candidate was able to win their home county. Wendt was able to win in Woodbury County by a slim 56 vote margin, but failed to carry Plymouth County. In Plymouth County, Carlin secured 1724 votes against Wendt’s 1065. Carlin was able to win each Plymouth County precinct with
the exception of the Hinton polling location. Having served as the school superintendent for the Le Mars Community School District for the past 17 years, Wendt was hopeful the town of Le Mars would lean in his favor, but Carlin was able to carry all three precincts of Le Mars. Both candidates were appreciative
of the volunteers that helped with the campaign.
Carlin says he was concerned about how the Le Mars voters would respond.
Wendt says the votes from Le Mars were not a total surprise, given the fact Le Mars has nearly a two to one ratio of Republicans to Democrats.
Since Carlin won the special State Senate race, there will now be another special election scheduled for someone to fill the House seat being left vacant from Carlin.
Plymouth County Precinct Breakdown of Votes:
Akron
Carlin – 137
Wendt – 87
Scattering -1
Courthouse Annex
Carlin – 73
Wendt – 27
Brunsville
Carlin – 105
Wendt – 55
Remsen
Carlin – 163
Wendt – 69
Scattering – 1
Kissinger – Merrill
Carlin – 97
Wendt -68
Perry Township
Carlin – 63
Wendt – 50
Hinton
Carlin – 94
Wendt – 109
Kingsley
Carlin – 80
Wendt – 62
Le Mars 11
Carlin – 179
Wendt – 130
Scattering – 1
Le Mars 12
Carlin – 223
Wendt – 142
Le Mars 13
Carlin – 101
Wendt – 65
Absentee
Carlin – 409
Wendt – 201
Total
Carlin – 1724
Wendt – 1065
