Unlike his race two years ago, Morrow this time was strong in the rural areas, as well as continuing to draw big in St. Peter.

“I think I lost just about every rural township two years ago and won just about every one this time,” Morrow said late Tuesday night.

Morrow, who had endorsements from the Farmers Union and Farm Bureau, said he worked hard to understand farm issues.

“I really devoted myself to learning about and helping the farmers. It was a great education and a great partnership,” said Morrow, who serves on the House Ag Policy Committee.

The district, which sprawls from North Mankato to Gaylord has been one of the most competitive in the state recently as voters from Republican leaning rural areas face off against the Democrat numbers in St. Peter and North Mankato.

In 2006, Morrow, a Gustavus Adolphus College professor and a former St. Peter School Board chairman, pulled off a narrow victory.

Excerpts from the Mankato Free Press, November 5, 2008