Splitting our differences

Minnesota voters did a lot of ticket splitting -- electing leading statewide candidates from different parties -- in the 1980s. But then they took a break, only to resume the pattern two years ago. Whether they'll do it again this year is a critical question heading toward Election Day.

Minnesota's recent "split" outcomes in major statewide elections:

1982

Senate: Dave Durenberger, R

Governor: Rudy Perpich, D

1984

President: Walter Mondale, D

Senate: Rudy Boschwitz, R

1988

President: Michael Dukakis, D

Senate: Dave Durenberger, R

1990

Senate: Paul Wellstone, D

Governor: Arne Carlson, R

2006

Senate: Amy Klobuchar, D

Governor: Tim Pawlenty, R

Sources: Secretary of State Office, Legislative Manual