1934 Minnesota State Auditor election

none February 2026 September 2023 1934 Minnesota State Auditor election Minnesota 1893 presidential no 1930 Minnesota State Auditor election 1930 1934 11 06 1938 Minnesota State Auditor election 1938 Stafford King.png x150px Stafford King Republican Party (United States) 380,302 38.8% 3x4.svg x150px John Lyons Farmer–Labor Party 379,654 38.7% 1934 Minnesota State Auditor election results map by county.svg 280px County resultsKing: #ffc8cd 30-40% #ffb2b2 40-50% #e27f7f 50-60%Lyons: #d0f7d0 30-40% #b4f1b4 40-50% #7fe27f 50-60% #4fd44f 60-70%Delaney: #bdd3ff 30-40% #a5b0ff 40-50% #7996e2 50-60% State Auditor Stafford King Republican Party (United States) Stafford King Republican Party (United States) 3x4.svg x150px Patrick Delaney Democratic Party (United States) 221,221 22.5% The 1934 Minnesota State Auditor election was held on November 6, 1934, to elect the state auditor of the U.S. state of Minnesota. Incumbent Republican Stafford King won re-election to a second term. King was challenged by Farmer-Labor candidate John Lyons and Democratic candidate Patrick Delaney.1935 Minnesota Legislative Manual Minnesota Secretary of State 1935 205–389 en As of 2024, this is the closest Minnesota State Auditor election ever.Libraries University of Minnesota Minnesota Historical Election Archive https://mn.electionarchives.lib.umn.edu/election/2319341000124600/ 2022-12-04 Minnesota Historical Election Archive en Candidates Republican Party Incumbent Republican State Auditor Stafford King was considered "certain" to be the party's nominee for the role again.GOP Eye on Christianson for Governor https://www.newspapers.com/image/812802970/ 2022-12-21 The Minneapolis Journal 17 King was endorsed by the Minnesota Republican Party in April, and was the only Republican candidate to file for the race. Democratic Party Of the three parties which nominated candidates in the auditor's race, only the Democratic Party had a primary, which was held on June 18.1935 Minnesota Legislative Manual Minnesota Secretary of State 1935 193–204 en Nominee Patrick J. Delaney Jr., University of St. Thomas boxing coach1934-01-29 Prowler picks wrong home, and gets K.O. 1 The Minneapolis Journal https://www.newspapers.com/image/812798837/ 2022-12-21 Eliminated in primary Theodore Zimmerman, highway overseer of Le Sueur CountyWhite Bernice Who's Who in Minnesota Hugh White 1958 263 en Primary results thumb|280px|Results by county: #7996e2 Delaney #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #e2db79 Zimmerman #e2db79 50–60% #d2de66 60–70% #b2de4c 70–80% Democratic primary results1935 Minnesota Legislative Manual Minnesota Secretary of State 1935 193–204 en Democratic Party of Minnesota Patrick J. Delaney, Jr. 114,842 52.80Democratic Party of Minnesota Theodore Zimmerman 102,660 47.20217,502 100.00 Farmer-Labor Party State Representative Harold Atwood of Winona was reportedly the early favorite of Farmer-Labor leadership to take on Stafford King.1934-02-10 Atwood May Be F-L Choice to Run for Auditor 1 The Winona Daily News https://www.newspapers.com/image/546230267/ 2022-12-21 Farmer-Labor Governor Floyd Olson reportedly preferred former-Republican and Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Charles Munn.Editorial Highlights 4 St. Cloud Times https://www.newspapers.com/image/222297805/ 2022-12-21 John T. Lyons of Le Center originally sought the endorsement of the Farmer-Labor Party for the lieutenant governorship but settled to run for the auditor's office after the party endorsed Hjalmar Peterson for Lieutenant Governor.1934-03-27 F-L Delegates Prepare Slate at Convention 1–2 St. Cloud Times https://www.newspapers.com/image/222302356/ 2022-12-21 After winning the party's endorsement at its March convention, Lyons filed officially to run on May 4.1934-05-05 Nelson Hurls Challenge at F.-L. Leaders 5 The Minneapolis Star https://www.newspapers.com/image/187320410/ 2022-12-21 Nominee John T. Lyons, 1932 Farmer-Labor nominee for Secretary of State Other candidates Harold Atwood, State Representative from WinonaMinnesota Legislators Past & Present https://www.lrl.mn.gov/legdb/fulldetail?ID=11029 2022-12-21 Minnesota Legislative Reference Library (lost at convention)F.-L. Convention Picks State Ticket after Sharp Fights https://www.newspapers.com/image/187333862/ subscription 2022-12-21 The Minneapolis Star 1 General election Campaign Fighting the Farmer-Labor Party Both Republican and Democratic leaders considered the Farmer-Labor Party to be a fundamental threat to private ownership in the state. The 1934 Republican platform explicitly called the Farmer-Labor "Marxian" and called for the combination of the Democratic and Republican tickets to defeat Farmer-Laborism: Two great parties in the United States, the Republican and the Democratic, now furnish the vehicles for expression of the people's will. They have differed in matters of policy upon economic and other similar questions but they have never differed in their devotion to American institutions, American ideals, the liberty of the individual, and support of our constitutions, state and federal, and when these are threatened, patriotic citizens of all parties can and should join hands against the common menace. Not since the Civil War have the citizens of Minnesota been brought face to face with a more serious situation than confronts us today. Our system of state government has been challenged by a far-reaching philosophy of life which means the entire subordination of the rights of the individual to a socialized and Sovietized dictatorship, involves the ownership of the home, the farm, and of the small business, threatens our school system, seeks to impose collectivism upon all our industries, and would result in the enslavement of labor. At a time like this, we should and do call upon men and women of whatever party to stand together. Let us not ask: What is this or that candidate's past political affiliation, but is he for Sovietism or Americanism? Republican Party of MinnesotaBoth Parties Push Fusion https://www.newspapers.com/image/187359328/ The Minneapolis Star 1, 4 2022-12-21Thus began one of the defining dynamics of the general election: the calls for a "Fusion" ballot and the suspension of Democrat Patrick Delaney's campaign. Proposed "Fusion" Shortly after the June 18 state primary, Democratic and Republican leaders continued discussing the formation of a combined ticket to battle the increasing strength of Farmer-Laborites. Such a move would have involved either the Democratic or Republican nominee for each statewide office dropping out of the race and endorsing their non-Farmer-Labor opponent. Democratic gubernatorial nominee John E. Regan, while rejecting the idea that he should personally drop out, nonetheless promoted the idea that Minnesotans should fight Farmer-Laborism and "the threats of communism" by uniting "efforts of all parties working for the common [anti-Farmer-Labor] cause."Gilstad Leif 1934-06-21 Regan Deals Blow at Fusion, Flatly Refuses to Quit Race; G.O.P. Meets to Form Plans 1–2 The Minneapolis Journal https://www.newspapers.com/image/812281923/ 2022-12-21 The most common version of the "Fusion" proposal called for Democratic nominees to drop out in races with a Republican incumbent (such as the auditor's race) and for Republicans to drop out when facing a Farmer-Labor incumbent. If this plan were agreed to, then, Democratic State Auditor candidate Patrick Delaney would drop out from the race and endorse the Republican candidate and incumbent Stafford King. Initially, Delaney expressed openness to this plan if it were adopted by all interested parties. Fusion controversies In the run-up to the state Democratic convention, prospects for a combined ticket fizzled. Democratic leaders, wishing a workable deal with Republicans would emerge, reportedly felt that the predominant collaboration proposal was too rosy for Republicans. In the latest version of the proposal, Republican nominees would drop out of the top two races for Governor and U.S. Senator and Democratic nominees would drop out of all other seven statewide races, a split which Democratic leadership thought was unnecessarily slanted. Further, Republican leaders were less-than-enthused about the prospect of giving up the two most prominent offices in the state. Delaney cooled to the plan and denounced rumors that he planned to drop from the race and endorse King.Gilstad Leif 1934-07-15 Fusion Talk Still Fruitless on Eve of Democratic Convention 1 The Minneapolis Journal https://www.newspapers.com/image/812286880/ 2022-12-21 The state Democratic convention was held on July 17 in St. Cloud. Despite support within the party for the "Fusion" plan, Democratic leaders were successful in suppressing calls to suspend statewide campaigning. Oliver T. Skellet, a former Democratic candidate for governor who did not win the primary, opened discussion at the convention about the possibility of forwarding the "Fusion" proposal. However, clever procedural maneuvering by the convention's chair prevented the debate from truly getting started. Still, it was understood that support within the party ranks for "Fusion" was strong enough that it would not fade yet as a political issue.Gilstad Leif 1934-07-18 Democrats Kill Fusion Talk at St. Cloud Rally 1, 7 3551 Williamsburg Pkwy https://www.newspapers.com/image/812289184/ 2022-12-21 Continuing Fusion discourse In late July, Hugh Kennedy, the Democratic nominee for Secretary of State, offered publicly to drop from the race and back the Republican candidate Mike Holm. He also suggested that Delaney drop out and endorse King in exchange for Republicans dropping out and endorsing the Democratic candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. Delaney responded immediately, clarifying that he was going to be on the November ballot and was not thinking of dropping out and announcing the opening of a campaign headquarters. State Democratic leaders believed Delaney was "the most determined obstacle" to forming a potential "Fusion" agreement.Thorp Vivian 1934-07-30 Fusion Given Spur, Candidate Offers to Quit 7 The Minneapolis Star https://www.newspapers.com/image/187036073/ 2022-12-21 Two days later, Republican and Democratic leaders announced their opposition to the plan, though Republican auditor candidate King stayed mum.1934-08-02 Party Leaders Not for Fusion 5 St. Cloud Times https://www.newspapers.com/image/222300001/ 2022-12-21 "Fusion" talks continued into August, though Delaney's position on the issue did not change. At a rally in St. Paul on August 13, Delaney remarked that he found the idea insulting, and that the Republican and Democratic schemers who devised the plan took him for a "half nut."Thorp Vivian 1934-08-14 One Democratic Nominee Scores Fusion Idea 7 The Minneapolis Star https://www.newspapers.com/image/187046625/ 2022-12-21 He went on: "No one is going to sell out Pat Delaney for any reason. With your help, I'll be elected." At a rally in late August, Delaney called out the "standpat Republicans" and "weak sisters among the Democrats" who hoped for a "Fusion" deal to emerge.1934-08-27 Regan Brands Latest Fusion Plan GOP Plot 5 The Minneapolis Star https://www.newspapers.com/image/187053001/ 2022-12-21 On September 7, while speaking to the Ramsey County Democrats, Delaney called for a cessation of all "Fusion" discussions.1934-09-08 Democrats Urge Fusion Talk Ban 11 The Minneapolis Star https://www.newspapers.com/image/187048115/ 2022-12-21 Communist accusations The real 'radicals' that we must conquer are the cold and indifferent captains of big business who live to loot and plunder, who press the people deeper and deeper in the mire of despondency so that they themselves may roll in the filthy sty of unearned profits. John Lyons The Minneapolis Tribune1934-11-03 The Campaign Pad The Minneapolis Tribune https://www.newspapers.com/image/181682023/ 2022-12-21 300pxAfter brewing for years, accusations that Farmer-Laborites were actually communists boiled over in 1934. In an August speech at Grand Rapids, Farmer-Labor candidate for State Auditor John Lyons called out "reactionary forces" he said were attempting to confuse voters with accusations of communism.F-L Speaker Hits Communist Views 3 St. Cloud Times https://www.newspapers.com/image/222300234/ 2022-12-21 In September, Lyons refused to respond to an endorsement questionnaire sent out by the Minnesota Socialist Party, essentially declaring that he did not want their support.1934-09-05 F-L Nominee Sets Socialists Aright 2 St. Cloud Times https://www.newspapers.com/image/222302397/ 2022-12-21 Just days before the election, Lyons was still combating charges of communism and delivered a speech over radio to clarify his position that private enterprise was not a target of Farmer-Labor ire. He nonetheless confirmed the Farmer-Labor position against "greed and graft."1934-11-03 The Campaign Pad The Minneapolis Tribune https://www.newspapers.com/image/181682023/ 2022-12-21 Allegation of embezzlement Late in the campaign, Delaney accused King of embezzling public money and spending it on campaign literature.1934-10-20 King Assailed 2 The Minneapolis Journal-Constitution https://www.newspapers.com/image/812292599/ 2022-12-21 King denied the charge.League Names Indorsees en The Minneapolis Star https://www.newspapers.com/image/187065423/ 2022-12-21 Endorsements Patrick Delaney (Democratic) 50em ;Others Gene Tunney, former heavyweight boxing title holderTunney Indorses Delaney https://www.newspapers.com/image/187065697/ 1934-10-26 2022-12-21 The Minneapolis Star en Theodore Zimmerman, former primary opponentRival backs Delaney https://www.newspapers.com/image/187065908/ 1934-10-27 2022-12-21 The Minneapolis Star en Stafford King (Republican) 50em ;Newspapers Minneapolis JournalSuggestions to Voters https://www.newspapers.com/image/812812432/ 1934-11-02 2022-12-21 The Minneapolis Journal en Advocacy groups Recovery League of MinnesotaLeague Names Indorsees https://www.newspapers.com/image/187065423/ 1934-10-25 2022-12-21 The Minneapolis Star en John Lyons (Farmer-Labor) 50em ;State Representatives Harold Atwood, State Representative from WinonaAtwood Backs Lyons https://www.newspapers.com/image/222191821/ 1934-10-24 2022-12-21 St. Cloud Times en Results The election was held on November 6.1934 Minnesota State Auditor election Republican Party (United States) Stafford King (incumbent) 380,302 38.76% -14.48% Minnesota Farmer–Labor Party John Lyons 379,654 38.69% +2.74% Minnesota Democratic Party Patrick Delaney 221,221 22.55% +11.75% 981,177 100.00% Republican Party (United States) Aftermath Immediately following the election, it was unclear who had won. Though it could be safely surmised that Delaney had lost, the margin between King and Lyons was exceptionally narrow. This race was the last race to be called for a seat on Minnesota's Executive Council, a body which helps to spend money and approve the governor's executive orders. Because the Farmer-Labor Party had already won the governorship and attorney general's office, and Republicans had locked in wins in the treasurer and secretary of state races, whichever party won the auditor's office would control the executive council. Trading leads On the morning of Tuesday, November 7, early unofficial tabulations had Lyons leading.Christianson Retains Lead; Lundeen Wins 1 The Minneapolis Tribune https://www.newspapers.com/image/181684545/ 2022-12-21 By the evening, King seemed to have pulled ahead.Cheney Charles 1934-11-07 Schmahl, King, and Grace Davis Coast on Thin Ice 1 The Minneapolis Journal https://www.newspapers.com/image/812815400/ 2022-12-21 Thursday papers reported Lyons had pulled ahead again.Olson to Start Legislature on Radical Plank 1 St. Cloud Times https://www.newspapers.com/image/222196554/ 2022-12-21 By Friday, the closeness of the auditor's race was frontpage, headline news. King led by just 2,240 votes with 105 precincts left to report.Stafford King Leads Lyons by 2,240 1 St. Cloud Times https://www.newspapers.com/image/222196926/ 2022-12-21 The race seemed to settle the following weekend when King led by 1,539 votes with only one precinct outstanding. On the same day, the Farmer-Labor Party announced that they believed there had been a miscount, and that Lyons led by 137 votes.Gilstad Leif 1934-11-11 G.O.P. Keeps State Council Control 1 The Minneapolis Journal https://www.newspapers.com/image/812816497/ 2022-12-21 One article claimed that Hennepin County had undercounted Lyons by as much as 1,400 votes.1934-11-12 Vote Recount Held Certain in Auditor Fight 1 The Minneapolis Star https://www.newspapers.com/image/187328138/ 2022-12-21 Canvass and recount After all the precincts had been appropriately tallied, King led by 648 votes. The official canvass of the state was conducted on November 20, certifying this margin and opening the door for Lyons to request a recount.1934-11-20 Olson Lead 72,453; King's 648 1 The Minneapolis Star https://www.newspapers.com/image/187343489/ 2022-12-21 Lyons formally filed a recount request in Ramsey County District Court on November 24, alleging numerous irregularities and miscounts.1934-11-24 King Election Contest Filed 2 The Minneapolis Tribune https://www.newspapers.com/image/181693663/ 2022-12-21 On November 26, Judge John Boerner granted Lyons request and ordered the appointment of ten teams of recounters at Lyons's expense.1934-11-27 State Recount Action Speeded 1 St. Cloud Times https://www.newspapers.com/image/222201757/ 2022-12-21 The recount began on November 30. In late December, recounters brought by King sued Lyons for failing to pay for the then-ongoing recount, and thereby failing to pay them. Judge Hugo Hanft ruled that Lyons was not obligated to pay for the recount until it was completed.1935-01-01 Court Rules on Lyons Contest 1 St. Cloud Times https://www.newspapers.com/image/222213955/ 2022-12-21 The recount was not completed until February 1935. Even then, 1,500 votes remained uncounted due to disputes among the recounters. Though there were still ballots waiting to be counted, King's lead had nonetheless expanded to 988 votes.1935-02-03 Recount Ends With King Ahead by 988 5 The Minneapolis Journal https://www.newspapers.com/image/812831928/ 2022-12-21 On February 21, 1935, Lyons's final challenge was dismissed in Ramsey County District Court by Judge Carlton McNally1935-02-21 Lyons Suit Dismissed 5 St. Cloud Times https://www.newspapers.com/image/222227340/ 2022-12-21 King received his certificate of election in March, having been ruled the victor by 1,031 votes. See also 1934 Minnesota gubernatorial election References Category:1934 Minnesota elections Category:Minnesota State Auditor elections Minnesota