There’s a high-stakes special election for Minnesota Senate today (Mon) in the southeast metro, prompted by the resignation of Senator Dan Schoen (SHONE) over allegations of sex harassment. It’s a vigorous contest between Republican Denny McNamara and Democrat Karla Bigham, both former state reps. If Republicans win, it could take some of the steam out of Democrats’ push in court to keep Republican Lieutenant Governor Michelle Fischbach from also remaining a senator representing the Paynesville area. That’s because Republicans would have picked up another seat and the best Democrats could hope for is a tie in the state Senate, not majority control. But if Democrats win today in Senate District 54, it will almost certainly add fuel to the legal battle over Fischbach’s seat. It’s unknown whether a judge will rule before the legislature goes back into session in just over one week.