U.S. Senate, 1978 Election

Special

Date: November 7, 1978
Cycle: 1978
Office: U.S. Senate
State: Minnesota
District: Statewide
Candidate Gender Party Votes Percent Margin
Dave Durenberger Man Independent-Republican 957,908 61.47 +26.90
Robert E. (Bob) Short Man Democratic-Farmer-Labor 538,675 34.57
Paul Helm Man American 45,402 2.91
Christine (Chris) Frank Woman Socialist 11,397 0.73
Fred G. Hewitt Man Libertarian 4,116 0.26

Special election for the unexpired term ending January 3, 1983 caused by the death of Hubert Humphrey on January 13, 1978. Widow and appointed incumbent Muriel Humphrey did not seek the DFL nomination.

Durenberger was an attorney from Minneapolis.

Short was a millionaire businessman from Minneapolis, owner of hotel and truck lines, former owner of the Washington Senators-Texas Rangers, DFL candidate for the 3rd CD in 1946, and DFL nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 1966.

Helm was a resident of Minneapolis, former conservative television talk show host for KSTP-TV (1974-1976), and American nominee for U.S. Senate in 1976.

Frank was a resident of Minneapolis, student at the Minnesota College of Art and Design, and a part-time switchboard operator. Frank was nominated by petition.

Hewitt was a staff scientist for Sperry Univac from Eagan and nominee for U.S. Senate in 1982. Hewitt was nominated by petition.

Sources

  • State of Minnesota Legislative Manual, 1979-1980 (p. 489).