At a press conference at his home in Delano, Republican candidate Tom Emmer conceded the Minnesota gubernatorial election to Democrat Mark Dayton.

Since Election Day, the State Canvassing Board has been engaged in an automatic recount, triggered by the close margin (less than 1/2 of 1%) in the governor's race. Both campaigns have had the opportunity to "challenge ballots" for further review, but Emmer has not been able to narrow the 8,700 vote gap between himself and Dayton by more than a few hundred votes.

A further blow to the Emmer camp and Republican Party was a decision released by the Minnesota Supreme Court yesterday that local election officials need not match the number of ballots cast with the number of signatures on polling place rosters; local election officials can use either to determine the number of votes counted. Initially, the Republicans were hoping that the disparity between the numbers would open the door to further legal challenges if the recount didn't sway the outcome.

It is uncertain how this announcement will impact the work of the State Canvassing Board, which is responsible for overseeing the recount. The board was expected to meet today to review ballot challenges, but could end up certifying the election a week in advance of their December 14 deadline due to Emmer's announcement.

Governor-Elect Dayton now has the opportunity to move forward more boldly with his gubernatorial preparations, including hiring staff, making appointments and preparing his budget recommendations in response to the anticipated $6.2 billion state deficit. The election of Dayton also ensures that the state will opt into early Medical Assistance, leveraging federal funds to help pay for the health insurance of low-income Minnesotans.

To follow the actions of the State Canvassing Board, visit http://www.sos.state.mn.us/

For information on the Dayton transition team, go to http://daytontransition.org/