The 2006 United States Senate election in Minnesota took place on November 7, 2006. One-term incumbent DFL U.S. Senator Mark Dayton announced in February 2005 that he would retire instead of seeking a second term. The primary elections took place on September 12, 2006. DFL nominee Amy Klobuchar won the open seat. DFL primary Candidates Amy Klobuchar, Hennepin County Attorney Darryl Stanton, businessman Campaign Klobuchar gained the early endorsement of the majority of DFL state legislators in Minnesota. A poll taken of DFL state delegates showed Klobuchar beating her then closest opponent, Patty Wetterling, 66% to 15%. As of June 30, 2005, Klobuchar had more cash on hand than any other candidate, nearly $1,100,000. Klobuchar was endorsed by EMILY's List on September 29, 2005. On January 20, 2006, Wetterling dropped out of the race and endorsed Klobuchar. Former Senate candidate and prominent lawyer Mike Ciresi, who was widely seen as the only other serious potential DFL candidate, indicated on February 7, 2006 that he would not enter the race. That removal of her most significant potential competitor for the DFL nomination was viewed as an important boost for Klobuchar. The only other serious candidate for the DFL endorsement was veterinarian Ford Bell. Bell, a staunch liberal, ran on a platform of implementing single-payer healthcare and immediate withdrawal from Iraq. Klobuchar won the official DFL endorsement on June 9, 2006. Bell dropped out of the race on July 10 citing inability to compete financially and also endorsed Klobuchar. Results Republican primary Candidates Mark Kennedy, U.S. Representative from Minnesota's 6th congressional district Harold Shudlick, military veteran John Ulrich, military veteran Campaign Kennedy had faced potential challenges from former U.S. Senator Rod Grams, as well as U.S. Representative Gil Gutknecht, but both men were persuaded by national GOP leaders to run for the House instead. (Grams lost to Representative Jim Oberstar, while Gutknecht lost his reelection bid to Tim Walz.) Results Independence primary Candidates Robert Fitzgerald, public-access television executive Miles W. Collins Stephen Williams, salesman Results General election Candidates Major Mark Kennedy (R), U.S. Congressman Amy Klobuchar (D), Hennepin County Attorney Robert Fitzgerald (IPM), public-access television cable TV show director Minor Michael Cavlan (G), nurse and independent journalist Ben Powers (C), quality control technician Peter Idusogie (I), businessman (write-in) Campaign Kennedy's routine support of President George W. Bush in House votes appeared to be a central issue for Democrats in the campaign. In