ELECTION 2012: St. Michael Area Candidates File for Office

With the official filing period now closed for several offices that are impacted by Minnesota primaries, the field for the 2012 election is beginning to take shape. 

State House and Senate seats, Wright County commissioner positions and even the U.S. Congress District 6 will look much different this year, as boundaries were redefined through the redistricting process in 2011-2012. 

However, there are several familiar names looking to earn those seats through the election process. 

Albertville and St. Michael city positions are not subject to primaries, and the filing period for those seats will take place later this year. 

Here's a look at who has filed. 

U.S. Congress District 6

, coming off her bid for president, will return to run for the Republican nomination, despite the fact she no longer resides in the newly drawn Sixth District. 

Bachmann has the GOP endorsement, but she will face Republican primary challenges from newcomer Steven Thompson and longtime challenger Aubrey Immelman. 

Hotel owner and business magnate Jim Graves has earned the DFL endorsement, and will not be contested in August's primary. 

Minnesota Senate District 30

The new Senate District, unveiled last February, includes Albertville, St. Michael, Otsego, Elk River and Big Lake. 

Longtime , a former State House member and one-time Secretary of State under Gov. Tim Pawlenty, has her sites set on the seat. She has the GOP endorsement. 

She will face a primary challenger in Republican Paul Bolin of Otsego. Bolin wanted the Republican endorsement for State House, but instead will square off with Kiffmeyer as an non-endorsed candidate. 

Bolin said the capitol "needs some new voices," and that he is challenging Kiffmeyer because he brings a fresh perspective. 

The Republicans have a 23-point advantage margin, according to media sources, within the new district. 

Minnesota House District 30B

Rural Albertville resident and longtime has the nomination and endorsement from the GOP. 

FitzSimmons was a force behind Tom Emmer's bid for governor in 2010. Emmer was in Albertville at Friendly City Days campaigning (and rollerblading) for his friend last weekend. 

Meanwhile, newcomer Sharon G. Shimek has the DFL endorsement and nomination. She faces an uphill climb in a district that shows a more than 25 percent advantage for the Republicans. 

Wright County District 3

The new district that includes eastern St. Michael and Otsego is a two-man race, which means there won't be much to this primary. 

Tom Darkenwald is a former Otsego council member and local businessman. 

He will square off with Mark Daleiden, a fellow business owner from St. Michael. 

Wright County District 4

By far the most hotly contested race for Wright County Commission, there is a mix of old and new in the primary, which is set for Aug. 14. 

David Dayon, a longtime public servant in St. Michael, is vying for the spot. Dayon sits on both the St. Michael Planning Commission and the St. Michael EDA. 

Mike Potter of Albertville, one-time city leader, is taking another run on a spot on the county board. 

Michael Beyer of Rockford, Matt Walker of Buffalo and Mary Wetter of Buffalo round out the field, as five candidates aim to make the final two for the November election.