2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood
The Mid-Atlantic United States flood of 2006 was a significant flood that affected much of the Mid-Atlantic region of the eastern United States. The flooding was very widespread, affecting numerous rivers, lakes and communities from upstate New York to North Carolina. It was widely considered to be the worst flooding in the region since Hurricane David in 1979. It was also one of the worst floodings in the United States since Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. At least 16 deaths were related to the flooding.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Meteorological history
The flooding was attributed to several weather factors that all came together over the region.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Meteorological history
The primary factor was the stalling of the jet stream just to the west of the Appalachian Mountains. That, combined with the Bermuda High over the Atlantic Ocean, blocked any systems from moving inland or offshore. The influence of a tropical low (which nearly became a tropical storm but did not attain a full surface circulation) off the North Carolina coast allowed a constant stream of tropical moisture to enter the Mid-Atlantic region. The resulting heavy and prolonged rains overflowed the banks of many rivers, lakes, and streams, leading to the flooding.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Meteorological history
A senior National Weather Service meteorologist declared that rain events of this size take place in the region only every 200 years.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Delaware
Considerable flooding occurred in much of Delaware, particularly in Sussex County, where Governor Ruth Ann Minner declared a state of emergency. The hardest hit community was Seaford, where 40 families were temporarily homeless and many homes and businesses were damaged.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, District of Columbia
Significant street and river flooding was reported in Washington, D.C. Several important federal buildings, including the National Archives and Records Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Department of Justice and some of the Smithsonian Institution, were closed.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, District of Columbia
Mayor Anthony A. Williams declared a state of emergency as a result of the flooding and the threat of power outages and other problems.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, District of Columbia
Sections of Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park were washed out. The road was closed for several months for repair and reinforcing. Beach Drive is the main north-south road through the park and is a major commuter artery.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Maryland
The most severe flooding took place in and around Montgomery County. Over 2,200 people had to be evacuated from the area south of Lake Needwood in Rockville due to concerns of a dam break there (the earthen dam was leaking). If the dam were to break, communities downstream could be under as much as 22 feet (6.7 m) of flood water. The dam did not break, however, and the evacuations ended on the evening of June 29. U.S. Route 29 (Colesville Road) in Silver Spring and Maryland Route 198 near Fort Meade were among the dozens of roadways closed due to high water. Parts of Laurel in Prince George's County were also evacuated after floodgates were opened to relieve pressure on a nearby dam.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Maryland
In Frederick County, three people were killed when they attempted to cross the flood waters from Middle Creek. Also in Frederick County, a 14-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy drowned while swimming in a swollen creek that feeds into the Monocacy River. On July 4 in Prince George's County, the body of a 22-year-old man was recovered. It was determined that his car was swept off U.S. 29 by the floodwaters nearly two weeks prior.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Maryland
In Harford County, several inches of rain fell for several days. Parts of the Susquehanna River and Deer Creek flooded, and several rescues were performed.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Maryland
Damage to roads and agriculture in the Eastern Shore region alone was estimated to be around $12 million.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Maryland
On Friday, June 30, Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich requested federal disaster aid for five Maryland counties: Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, and Montgomery. However, Ehrlich stated in a letter requesting the aid to President George W. Bush that more counties could be included after damage assessments. Governor Ehrlich stated that damages in Maryland could exceed $10 million. Ehrlich also requested, in addition to federal disaster aid, funds for "hazard mitigation assistance", which is federal money used to help governments rebuild antiquated structures with modern structures. Ehrlich also obtained loans from the federal Small Business Administration to help private property owners, both residential and business, to rebuild or repair damaged buildings.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, New Jersey
The heaviest flooding in New Jersey was along and near the Delaware River, on the border with Pennsylvania. Over 1,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas of Trenton, and some state government buildings were closed.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, New Jersey
In addition, Trenton's water filtration system was shut down because of debris floating down the Delaware, and Mayor Douglas Palmer called for conservation, saying the city had only about two days of drinkable water.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, New Jersey
The river was expected to crest Friday at nearly 8 feet (2.4 m) over flood stage, the fourth-highest level on record for Trenton.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, New Jersey
Governor Jon Corzine had declared a state of emergency for the entire state as a result of the flooding.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, New York
Significant flooding took place in the Southern Tier region, particularly around Binghamton and Waverly/Sayre (on the New York-Pennsylvania border). Riverside communities were severely flooded, and many evacuations took place in the region which stretched along the Susquehanna, Chenango, Delaware and Unadilla rivers. The Susquehanna River in Bainbridge crested at 27 feet (8.2 m), 14 feet (4.3 m) over the flood stage. This was the highest the river had ever reached in the Bainbridge area. In Broome County alone, over 5,000 people were forced to evacuate, particularly in the submerged town of Conklin.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, New York
Two people were killed when a section of Interstate 88 washed away and two trucks drove into the chasm created.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, New York
The Mohawk River valley also experienced significant flooding, with damage occurring to Lock 10 on the Erie Canal.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, New York
In Port Jervis, the Delaware River flooded low areas of the city that had barely recovered from the record flooding of April 2005. The Neversink River also swelled, prompting officials to close the Neversink bridge. The Mid-Delaware Bridge (carrying US 6 and 209) was also closed.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, New York
Governor George Pataki estimated that damage in the state could exceed $100 million. Many of the records levels during this flood would be topped five years later in 2011 when the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee struck the area.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
The worst flooding in the state took place in the Susquehanna River valley and its tributaries. Over 200,000 residents in northeastern Pennsylvania had to be evacuated due to the rising floodwaters. Damage in Susquehanna County alone totaled over $100 million (2006 USD).


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
Extensive river flooding was reported in dozens of communities in eastern Pennsylvania. Over 70 people had to be rescued from rooftops by U.S. Coast Guard helicopters after being stranded by the floodwaters.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
At the Wilkes-Barre flood protection levee, the river was at 41 feet (12 m), which was about the record level reached in Hurricane Agnes and at which point catastrophic flooding takes place. Forecasts predicted that the river would crest at above 39 feet (12 m), exceeding any other event other than Agnes and leading to significant flooding in other communities with less protection. Luzerne County officials said the large evacuations were precautionary, as there was a potential for the area to be isolated if the most severe predictions took hold.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
In Reading, the Schuylkill River's flood stage is 13 feet (4.0 m), and the river was projected to crest at about 23 feet (7.0 m), resulting in the worst flooding in the area since Hurricane Agnes.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
In Easton, the Delaware River crested at 17 feet (5.2 m) above flood stage. At Riegelsville, the river was at 14 feet (4.3 m) above flood level, and at New Hope it crested at 8 feet (2.4 m) above flood level.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
In Harrisburg, a festival's start in the city was pushed back and cut down, due to the potential for the flood, and the Harrisburg Senators were forced to play 2 "home games" in Bowie, Maryland, due to flooding in Commerce Bank Park.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
The Knoebels amusement park in Elysburg was closed due to the flooding of local creeks and did not reopen until Friday afternoon.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
The Manayunk neighborhood in Philadelphia issued a mandatory evacuation for the area between Main Street and Ridge and Levering.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
Severe flooding of Swatara Creek near Hershey and Hummelstown closed many roads in the area and damaged a number of homes. The creek crested at 16.12 feet (4.91 m) around 7 am on June 29, breaking the previous official record of 15.37 feet (4.68 m), which was set September 27, 1975. However, this did not come close to the flooding after Hurricane Agnes, which caused the creek to crest at approximately 28 feet (8.5 m) on June 23, 1972. Hummelstown was flooded briefly (3–4 days), mainly across Duke and Water streets, as well as the railroad tracks.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
In Pike County, the Delaware River caused extensive damage to Matamoras Borough and Westfall Township. The Delaware crested in the early hours of 29 June at 32.16 feet (9.80 m) at Milford (as per NOAA hydrograph ) The record level of the river at Milford is 35.5 feet (10.8 m), and flood stage is 25 feet (7.6 m).


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
On Friday, 30 June, U.S. Route 209 between Milford and the Monroe County line at Lehman Township was closed.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
In Wayne County, the opening of the Lake Wallenpaupack spillway caused damage downstream. The Delaware River also caused damage on the eastern border of the county. Damage in Wayne County totaled about $50 million (2006 USD).


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
Of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania, 46 were under a state of emergency as declared by Governor Ed Rendell. Four deaths were confirmed in Pennsylvania; two in Luzerne County, one near Gettysburg, and one in rural Wayne County.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Pennsylvania
In Lackawaxen, the Zane Grey museum, part of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, sustained significant damage.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Virginia
Flooding occurred in many areas in Virginia, particularly in the north. A mudslide closed the Capital Beltway in Alexandria for several hours on Monday, June 26. Mudslides were also witnessed in the mountainous regions.


2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood, Impact, Virginia
Governor Tim Kaine declared a state of emergency for the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.


2006 Mid-Continent Conference Men's Basketball Tournament
The 2006 Mid-Continent Conference Men's Basketball Tournament took place between Saturday, March 4, 2006 and Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at the John Q. Hammons Arena in Tulsa, Oklahoma.


2006 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament
The 2006 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament began on May 18 and ended on May 21, 2006 at Marty L. Miller Field, on the campus of Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. It was a six-team double elimination tournament. Bethune-Cookman won the tournament, as they have done each year but one since 1999. The Wildcats claimed the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's automatic bid to the 2006 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament.


2006 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament, Format and seeding
The top six finishers from the regular season were seeded one through six based on conference winning percentage only, with the top seed playing the sixth seed, second seed playing the fifth, and so on for first round matchups. The winners advanced in the winners' bracket, while first round losers played elimination games. The format meant that Florida A&M was left out of the field.


2006 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament, All-Tournament Team, Outstanding Performer
Jose Rivera Ortiz was named Tournament Outstanding Performer. Ortiz was an outfielder for Bethune-Cookman.


2006 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team
The 2006 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team represented Middle Tennessee State University in the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Middle Tennessee entered the 2006 season coming off a losing 4–7 record (3–4 SBC) in 2005, which saw the dismissal of head coach Andy McCollum. The team's new head coach was Rick Stockstill. The Blue Raiders played their home games at Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium and compete in the Sun Belt Conference.


2006 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team
The 2006 season saw a new coaching staff turn the Blue Raiders around from the losing record of the previous year, adding 3 wins to the total of the previous season. Also, that season saw the Blue Raiders play in their first bowl game, the Motor City Bowl, in the division I-A/FBS era.


2006 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team, Starting lineup, Special teams
* Note: r before the class year means that the player has used a redshirt year.


2006 Mieczysław Połukard Criterium of Polish Speedway Leagues Aces
The 25th Mieczysław Połukard Criterium of Polish Speedway League Aces was the 2006 version of the Mieczysław Połukard Criterium of Polish Speedway Leagues Aces. It took place on April 2 in the Polonia Stadium in Bydgoszcz, Poland.


2006 Mieczysław Połukard Criterium of Polish Speedway Leagues Aces, Heat details
m - exclusion for exceeding two minute time allowance •  t - exclusion for touching the tapes •  x - other exclusion •  e - retired or mechanical failure •  f - fell •  ns - non-starter •  nc - non-classify


2006 Milan municipal election
Municipal elections were held in Milan on 28–29 May 2006, to elect the Mayor of Milan and the 60 members of the City Council.


2006 Milan municipal election
The incumbent Mayor Gabriele Albertini was term-limited and could not run for a third term.


2006 Milan municipal election
The main candidates were the incumbent Minister of Education Letizia Moratti, supported by Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right coalition House of Freedoms, and the former prefect for Milan Bruno Ferrante, supported by the centre-left coalition The Union.


2006 Milan municipal election
As a result of the election, Letizia Moratti was officially proclaimed new Mayor of Milan on 1 June 2006, becoming the first female to fill the office.


2006 Milan municipal election, Background, Centre-left primary election
In December 2005 the centre-left coalition decided to call an open primary election to choose its mayoral candidate. Four people registered to be candidates in this election: Bruno Ferrante, former prefect of Milan (2000–2005); Dario Fo, playwright and 1997 Nobel Prize in Literature; Milly Moratti, environmentalist activist; and Dario Corritore, an independent business executive.


2006 Milan municipal election, Voting System
The semipresidential voting system was the one used for all mayoral elections in Italy of cities with a population higher than 15,000 for the fourth time. Under this system voters express a direct choice for the Mayor or an indirect choice voting for the party of the candidate's coalition. If no candidate receives at least 50% of votes, the top two candidates go to a second round after two weeks. This gives a result whereby the winning candidate may be able to claim majority support.


2006 Milan municipal election, Voting System
The election of the City Council is based on a direct choice for the candidate with a preference vote: the candidate with the majority of the preferences is elected. The number of the seats for each losing party is determined proportionally.


2006 Milan municipal election, Parties and candidates
This is a list of the major parties (and their respective leaders) which participated in the election.


2006 Milan–San Remo
These are the results for the 97th edition of the Milan–San Remo cycling classic, raced on March 18, 2006. Filippo Pozzato, who was controlling a breakaway for teammate Tom Boonen, managed to steal the victory from the sprinters. It was less than 5 minutes off the record pace set in the 1990 Milan–San Remo.


2006 Millsaps Majors football team
The 2006 Millsaps Majors football team represented Millsaps College as a member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference during the 2006 NCAA Division III football season.


2006 Millsaps Majors football team
Coach DuBose's first season got off to a rocky start. The Majors were hammered 52-28 by Mississippi College in the season-opening Backyard Brawl game, which returned after a one-year hiatus in 2005. The Majors then lost their next two games in heartbreaking fashion, by a combined total of four points. However, DuBose's team managed an incredible turn-around that shocked the SCAC, when the team went on to win their next six games to set up a showdown with perennial SCAC juggernaut Trinity in the season finale. Each team entered the contest at 5-0 in conference play, meaning the winner would receive the SCAC's automatic playoff bid and claim the SCAC title outright.


2006 Millsaps Majors football team
Trinity, ranked 21st nationally, was heavily favored to end the Majors' incredible run; the Tigers had won or shared 13 consecutive SCAC championships dating back to 1993 (Millsaps and Trinity shared the title in 1996) and were winners of five straight contests against the Majors, including a 41-0 blowout the previous year in San Antonio. However, the Majors stunned the Tigers 34-12, emerging victorious behind a three touchdown-performance from senior wide receiver Chris Jackson, who returned two punts for scores and caught another. The win gave Millsaps a 6-0 final record in conference play (7-3 overall), earning the Majors their third SCAC title (their first won outright) and the league's automatic playoff bid for the first time. The tournament appearance was just the second in the program's history, the first since 1975.


2006 Millsaps Majors football team
DuBose was named the SCAC's 2006 "Coach of the Year" for engineering the Majors' remarkable turn-around. Sophomore quarterback Juan Joseph was named the league's "Offensive Player of the Year" and Chris Jackson was honored as the league's "Special Teams Player of the Year" and named a first team All-American for his role as the team's return specialist. In all, 20 Majors were named to the All-SCAC first team, second team and honorable mention lists.


2006 Milton Keynes Council election
The 2006 Milton Keynes Council election took place on 4 May 2006 to elect members of Milton Keynes Unitary Council in Buckinghamshire, England. One third of the council was up for election and the Liberal Democrats lost overall control of the council to no overall control.


2006 Milton Keynes Council election, Election result
The results saw the Liberal Democrats drop 4 seats to lose their majority on the council, while the Conservatives made gains.


2006 Milwaukee Brewers season
The Milwaukee Brewers 2006 season involved the Brewers' finishing 4th in the National League Central with a record of 75 wins and 87 losses.


2006 Milwaukee Brewers season, Farm system
The Brewers' farm system consisted of six minor league affiliates in 2006.


2006 Milwaukee Brewers season, Player stats, Batting, Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in


2006 Milwaukee Brewers season, Player stats, Batting, Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in


2006 Milwaukee Brewers season, Player stats, Pitching, Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts


2006 Milwaukee Brewers season, Player stats, Pitching, Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts


2006 Milwaukee Brewers season, Player stats, Pitching, Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts


2006 Minato Ward elevator accident
The Minato Ward 2006 elevator accident was an incident in June 2006 which shook Japanese public confidence in the safety of elevators around the country. In June 2006, in Minato, Tokyo, a 16-year-old high school student was killed by an elevator maintained by SEC Elevator Co Ltd ("SEC") but originally manufactured and maintained by another elevator manufacturer and maintenance company. He was backing out of it with his bicycle when the elevator suddenly rose with the doors still open, causing asphyxiation. Investigations began relating to this fatality.


2006 Minato Ward elevator accident
In the process of this investigation, elevator safety in Japan came under question, with media attention focused on Schindler Group, a Swiss elevator and escalator manufacturer which at the time operating in Japan as Schindler Elevator K.K. (シンドラーエレベータ株式会社, Shindorā Erebēta Kabushiki Kaisha). Of the 8,800 Schindler elevators installed in Japan, 85 have trapped people.


2006 Minato Ward elevator accident
Following the incident, the Minato Ward Public Housing Corporation ("MWPHC") replaced all five Schindler elevators at the City Heights Takeshiba complex ("Takeshiba Complex") in the condominium with models manufactured by Mitsubishi.


2006 Minato Ward elevator accident, Responsibility
Elevator maintenance had been carried out by Japan Electric Power Service Inc. ("JEPS") from April 2005, and by SEC from April 2006 until the time of the accident, not by the manufacturer. The International Herald Tribune and Asahi Shimbun reported on June 14 that "Loose bolts and worn brake pads, evidence of poor maintenance, likely played a central role in the elevator accident". In the article it can also be read that "it is the responsibility of the maintenance company to ensure that such bolts are tightly fastened".


2006 Minato Ward elevator accident, Responsibility
Schindler pointed out that the maintenance of the elevator was carried out by a non-affiliated maintenance company and that the company does not have an indication of a product design mistake so far. However, Tokyo Metropolitan Police concluded that both Schindler and maintenance company are responsible for the accident. Five people had been reported to have been prosecuted. Schindler, Minato Ward Public Housing Corporation, and SEC, were publicly criticized for having displayed an evasive attitude toward the Japanese police and the condominiums' inhabitants. They did not respond to or attend any public meetings for the first 8 days, although they claimed to have fully cooperated with the investigation.


2006 Minato Ward elevator accident, Litigation: Criminal and civil lawsuits
The accident resulted in three legal proceedings: one criminal suit and two civil suits.


2006 Minato Ward elevator accident, Repercussions of the Takeshiba accident
One of the tangible by-products of the Takeshiba accident and the public debate on elevator and escalator safety it engendered was the passing of an amendment to the Enforcement Order to the Building Standards Act (see Article 129-10 of the Enforcement Order) (“Order”), which went into effect on September 28, 2009. The Order obligates the building owners to install government approved UCMP (unintended car movement protection) safety devices (which will automatically stop elevator cars if they move while the doors remain open) to all newly installed elevators. The provisions of the Order will be mandatory only as to new elevator installations, but not to existing elevators, although installation of UCMP devices to all elevators are strongly encouraged.


2006 Minato Ward elevator accident, Repercussions of the Takeshiba accident
As of October 2019, ten years after the Order above was put into effect, however, only about 20% of the approximately 700,000 elevators regularly inspected in Japan in privately owned buildings, and about 24% of the elevators installed in national government buildings were equipped with UCMP devices, representing a negligible increase from the previous year. The relatively slow adoption of UCMP devices appears to be primarily because of to the high cost of installing such devices. To promote the installation of UCMP devices, some municipalities and local governments, including Minato Ward where the 2006 fatal elevator accident occurred, are offering subsidies to building owners of qualified multi-unit dwellings to install UCMP devices.


2006 Minato Ward elevator accident, Wider concern
Public concern over the Minato Ward case has not been limited merely to Schindler elevators. The Asia Times Online reported that in response to a flood of inquiries from customers, including building owners, the third-largest domestic elevator company, Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corp., was offering free inspections of their elevators, while Mitsubishi Electric Corp., the leading firm, and Hitachi Ltd, which is the second-largest, were responding to requests on a case-by-case basis. A recent Japanese survey showed that 65% of the students interviewed are uncomfortable with elevators following the Minato incident.


2006 Minato Ward elevator accident, Wider concern
In Hong Kong, following the Minato incident, many news agencies drew similarities between the Minato case and the 2002 Fanling Hong Kong case. As a result, Hong Kong's Public Housing Authority was questioned about the 33 public estates with Schindler elevators. The Housing Authority stated that all of its elevators are maintained by the original manufacturer (in Hong Kong's case, by "Jardine Schindler", a subsidiary of Jardine Matheson) and all elevators are inspected fully once every week. In comparison, Hong Kong law requires a full annual examination, load testing every 5 years, and an inspection every month. Some buildings have inspections every 2 weeks.


2006 Minato Ward elevator accident, Wider concern
On July 20, 2006, it was reported by Asahi, one of Japan's largest newspapers, that an increasing number of software problems have been spotted, leading to 113 elevators requiring a software replacement.


2006 Minato Ward elevator accident, Wider concern
Schindler later sold nearly all of its Japanese assets to Otis in 2016. Schindler Elevator K.K., however, still exists.


2006 Mini Challenge UK
The 2006 Mini Challenge season was the fifth season of the Mini Challenge UK. The season started on 1 April at Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit and ended on 22 October at Donington Park. The season featured seven rounds across the UK and one in Belgium.


2006 Mini Challenge UK, Championship standings
Championship points were awarded for the first 15 positions in each Championship Race. Entries were required to complete 75% of the winning car's race distance in order to be classified and earn points. There were bonus points awarded for Pole Position and Fastest Lap.


2006 Minnesota Attorney General election
The 2006 Minnesota Attorney General election was held on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 to elect the Minnesota Attorney General for a four-year term. DFL incumbent Mike Hatch chose to run for governor instead of reelection. Lori Swanson of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) won election to her first term.


2006 Minnesota Attorney General election, Candidates, Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Former deputy attorney general Lori Swanson won the DFL nomination.


2006 Minnesota Attorney General election, Candidates, Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
State senator Steve Kelley, House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, and former U.S. Representative Bill Luther all ran unsuccessfully for the DFL nomination.


2006 Minnesota Attorney General election, Candidates, Republican Party
State representative and assistant majority leader Jeff Johnson won the Republican nomination.


2006 Minnesota Attorney General election, Candidates, Independence Party
Attorney and former revenue commissioner John James was the Independence Party nominee.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team
The 2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represented the University of Minnesota in the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Coached by Glen Mason, the Gophers played their home games at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as they had since Memorial Stadium closed after the 1981 season.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team
Mason was fired on December 31, 2006, two days after the Gophers' epic collapse in the last 20 minutes of the Insight Bowl against Texas Tech, which saw Minnesota blow a 38–7 lead to lose 44–41 in overtime. The Tech comeback was the biggest in NCAA Division I-A postseason history.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Previous season
2005 was the ninth season under head coach Glen Mason. He led the team to a 7–5 record and an appearance in the Music City Bowl. The most notable game of the season came when Minnesota defeated Michigan for the first time in 19 years to win the Little Brown Jug.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Pre-season
The 2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team received votes in the Coaches' Poll.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Kent State
This was the season opener for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. It was played on a Thursday in Kent, Ohio in Dix Stadium. The Golden Gophers were quite successful in the game, scoring on seven of their ten drives. The Golden Gophers dominated this game from the start of the game to the finish. Converted linebacker Alex Daniels rushed for 155 yards and 3 touchdowns. Kent State additionally had six of their ten drives ended by turnovers. Minnesota averaged a starting position of their own 36 yard line, 16 yards better than the Golden Flashes. This game was a homecoming for Minnesota head coach Glen Mason, whose first head coaching job was at Kent State.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, California
The Golden Gophers faced off against their first team from a BCS since the 2000 season, and the first time the Minnesota Golden Gophers faced off against a team from the Pac-10 in the regular season since 1988. The Golden Gophers and Golden Bears remained close until the California scored twice in a three-minute span in the second quarter. The Gophers did manage a field-goal to close the second half, but were unable to find the red-zone in the second half. Golden Gophers quarterback Bryan Cupito did manage to pass for 243 yards with a 64% completion percentage. However, he had two interceptions and no touchdowns. Dominic Jones did manage to score on a kick-off return.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Temple
The Golden Gophers had their highest scoring game since September 2003, as they dominated the Temple Owls. The Golden Gophers were led by Bryan Cupito, who had 8 completions on 10 attempts, with 148 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. Additionally, the Gopher rushing attack combined for 284 yards rushing. Temple only twice advanced into Minnesota's side of the field. Additionally, the starting position of the Owls was 29 yards worse than the Golden Gophers. The win was the Gophers' twelfth straight victory in a home opener.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Purdue
The Golden Gophers opened up the 2006 Big Ten season against Purdue. The Gophers had beat the Boilermakers in a double-overtime game the previous season. Amir Pinnix rushed for 183 yards on the day, but did not score once. Notably, the Gophers and Boilermakers had identical amounts of offensive output (421 yards). But the Golden Gophers turned the ball over twice, in comparison to no turnovers for the Boilermakers. Purdue was led by Curtis Painter who completed 67% of his passes for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns. This game marked the first time the Gophers had lost their first Big Ten game of the season since 2002, when they lost to Purdue.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Michigan
Minnesota came into the oldest trophy game in college football with a rare opportunity. The Gophers had not won two straight games against the University of Michigan since 1962 and 1963. Michigan came into the game highly ranked in both the AP and Coaches Polls. The Golden Gophers did manage to not turn the ball over in the game, but they didn't force any turnovers either. The Wolverines did rack up nearly 200 more yards of offense in the game. Bryan Cupito led the Gophers, passing for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was outdone, however, by Michigan's Chad Henne, who passed for 284 yards and 3 touchdowns. Converting third-down attempts also hurt the Golden Gophers, as Minnesota went 3 for 12 in 3rd down conversions. In comparison, Michigan went 10 for 15.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Penn State
Minnesota had another trophy on the line, as the Golden Gophers and the Nittany Lions squared off in the Metrodome. The two teams traded the lead back and forth until the game knotted at 21 all. The Golden Gophers had the first possession of over time, and scored, but missed the extra point. Penn State then had their opportunity. Controversy stuck as Penn State found themselves in a fourth and nine situation in overtime. The pass was incomplete, but the ruling on the field was defensive pass interference, giving Penn State a fresh set of downs. There were widespread rumors on the internet that the Big Ten apologized for the alleged blown call, but this was denied by the conference. Penn State went on to score and convert their extra point, winning by one point.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Wisconsin
Minnesota had their third straight week playing for a rivalry trophy, as they faced off against heated rival, Wisconsin. The highly ranked Badgers made quick work of the Golden Gophers, racing to a 28–3 lead by the half. Amir Pinnix rushed for 97 yards on the day, but Golden Gopher quarterback Bryan Cupito had only 94 yards passing on 28 attempts. The Gophers had far more problems converting on third downs as well, converting 3 of 14 attempts, compared to Wisconsin's 6 of 10 ratio. The Badgers held onto Paul Bunyan's Axe for the third straight year.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, North Dakota State
Minnesota took a break from Big Ten play, hosting regional rival North Dakota State. The Bison outgained the Gophers in offensive yards by 140 yards. Each team missed two field goal tries in the game, North Dakota State missing a try as time expired. Bryan Cupito passed for 150 yards on 14 completions. Amir Pinnix racked up 97 yards and one touch down. Minnesota benefited from the great punting, as Minnesota's Justin Kucek had six punts and averaged 47.6 yards per punt.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Ohio State
The Golden Gophers ran into the buzz saw that was the 2006 Ohio State Buckeyes, and came away dominated. The Gophers gave up over two hundred more yards than they gained on the day offensively. The Golden Gophers were led offensively by Byran Cupito who passed for 120 yards on 13 completions. Minnesota's Deon Hightower recorded 13 tackles on the day. The Gophers were 4 of 14 on third down, while the Buckeyes were 7 of 10.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Indiana
The Golden Gophers went into Indiana, facing a stiff tasking, knowing they needed to win their final three games to become bowl eligible. Their first task was to beat Indiana for the second straight game. The Golden Gophers raced out to a 35-point lead halfway into the second quarter on the way to a 63-26 route. Bryan Cupito went 22 of 33, and 378 yards with 4 touchdowns. Golden Gopher receivers Logan Payne and Ernie Wheelwright both eclipsed 100 yards receiving on the day. It was the most points scored since their season opening victory over Toledo in 2004.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Michigan State
In their final regular season road trip of the season, Minnesota traveled to East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State opened up a nine-point lead in the first quarter. The Gophers scored the next 17 points on their way to victory. Bryan Cupito passed for 243 yards. Golden Gopher running back Amir Pinnix added 113 yards offensively on the day. The win kept the Golden Gophers bowl hopes alive going into their final regular season game.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Iowa
The battle for Floyd of Rosedale took place with two teams looking at two different goals. The Hawkeyes were attempting to stop a losing skid, while the Gophers were looking to win their third straight game and to become bowl eligible. Several offensive players on each side had big days. Iowa's Drew Tate passed for 354 yards, and Hawkeye running back Albert Young rushed for 133 yards. For the Golden Gophers, Bryan Cupito passed for 267 yards, while Minnesota running back Amir Pinnix rushed for 119 yards. Turnovers proved to be crucial on the day, as Minnesota had a plus four turnover ratio. The win gave Minnesota a 6–6 record and made them bowl eligible.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Texas Tech
All-time record against Texas Tech: 0–1–0In the 2006 Insight Bowl, the Gophers would score early and often. In the first quarter, QB Bryan Cupito threw a two-yard pass to tight end Jack Simmons to give the Gophers a 7–0 lead. Texas Tech responded by driving within the Minnesota 10, Graham Harrell, the Tech QB, fumbled on a sack and Minnesota responded with their longest drive of the season.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Texas Tech
The Gophers extended the lead on a 14-yard pass from Cupito to Ernie Wheelwright, which came off the a touchback by Tech, when it appeared they would score to trim the lead. Tech got on the board with 4:32 left in the first half when they scored on a 1-yard run by Shannon Woods However, the Gophers would score one more touchdown in the first half, off Cupito's third touchdown of the game, a 3-yard pass to Logan Payne with 32 seconds left in the first half. The Gophers led 35–7 at the half.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Texas Tech
In the 2nd half, Minnesota added to their lead with a 32-yard field goal by Joel Monroe to make it 38–7. However, Texas Tech began their miracle comeback on the ensuing drive when Harrell hit Joel Filani on a 43-yard pass to cut the lead to 38–14.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Texas Tech
To start the 4th quarter, Harrell hit Robert Johnson to cut the lead to 38–21. To respond, Minnesota drove down to the Tech 31, however, coach Glen Mason decided to go for it on a 4th-and-seven from the 31, and Cupito was subsequently sacked. Tech responded when Harrell ran a QB sneak to cut the score to 38–28. Minnesota then went 3-and-out, followed by a 40-yard punt return by Tech punt returner Danny Amendola. Nine plays after the return, Shannon Woods scored on a 1-yard run to cut the lead to a mere field goal, 38–35.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Texas Tech
They subsequently failed on the onside kick, and Minnesota recovered. Despite having to use two timeouts, they forced another 3-and-out. However, the punt coupled with a false start left Tech at their own seven, forcing Tech to use their two-minute offense that got them down to the Minnesota 35. From there, Tech kicker Alex Trlica nailed a 52-yard field goal, tying the game as time expired.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Texas Tech
To start overtime, the Gophers kicked a 32-yard field goal to get the lead back at 41–38. However, the Red Raiders would move downfield and they would cap off their comeback when Woods scored his third touchdown of the game from three yards out to give Tech a 44–41 victory.


2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team, Game summaries, Texas Tech
The Insight Bowl turned out to be coach Glen Mason's final game as head coach, as, two days after the collapse, athletic director Joel Maturi fired Mason citing that, had the collapse not happened, Mason would likely still have the job.


2006 Minnesota House of Representatives election
The 2006 Minnesota House of Representatives election was held in the U.S. state of Minnesota on November 7, 2006, to elect members to the House of Representatives of the 85th Minnesota Legislature. A primary election was held in several districts on September 12, 2006.


2006 Minnesota House of Representatives election
The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) won a majority of seats, defeating the Republican Party of Minnesota, which had a majority since defeating the DFL in the 1998 election. The new Legislature convened on January 3, 2007.


2006 Minnesota Lynx season
The 2006 WNBA season was the eighth season for the Minnesota Lynx. The Lynx played horribly all season, leading them to dead last in the West and a franchise-worst of 10-24.


2006 Minnesota Lynx season, Offseason, Expansion Draft
Stacey Lovelace-Tolbert was selected by the Chicago Sky in the draft.


2006 Minnesota Senate election
The 2006 Minnesota Senate election was held in the U.S. state of Minnesota on November 7, 2006, to elect members to the Senate of the 85th and 86th Minnesota Legislatures. A primary election was held in several districts on September 12, 2006.


2006 Minnesota Senate election
The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) won a majority of seats, remaining the majority party, followed by the Republican Party of Minnesota. The new Legislature convened on January 3, 2007.


2006 Minnesota State Auditor election
The 2006 Minnesota State Auditor election was held on November 7, 2006. Incumbent Republican Patricia Anderson was defeated by former State Representative Rebecca Otto of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL). Independence Party of Minnesota candidate Lucy Gerold finished third.


2006 Minnesota State Auditor election, Results
The election was not close with Otto taking 56 of the state’s 87 counties, and winning by a margin of 10.84%. Otto performed well in Hennepin County home of Minneapolis, the most populous county in the state. Otto also performed well in Ramsey County of the state capital St. Paul. Otto also fared well in the Minneapolis suburbs. Anderson did win some rural areas of the state. Since this election this office has remained in Democratic hands.


2006 Minnesota Swarm season
The Minnesota Swarm are a lacrosse team based in Saint Paul, Minnesota playing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). The 2006 season was the 2nd in franchise history.


2006 Minnesota Swarm season, Regular season, Conference standings
x: Clinched playoff berth; c: Clinched playoff berth by crossing over to another division; y: Clinched division; z: Clinched best regular season record; GP: Games PlayedW: Wins; L: Losses; GB: Games back; PCT: Win percentage; Home: Record at Home; Road: Record on the Road; GF: Goals scored; GA: Goals allowedDifferential: Difference between goals scored and allowed; GF/GP: Average number of goals scored per game; GA/GP: Average number of goals allowed per game


2006 Minnesota Swarm season, Player stats, Runners (Top 10)
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; LB = Loose Balls; PIM = Penalty Minutes


2006 Minnesota Swarm season, Player stats, Goaltenders
Note: GP = Games Played; MIN = Minutes; W = Wins; L = Losses; GA = Goals Against; Sv% = Save Percentage; GAA = Goals Against Average


2006 Minnesota Twins season
The 2006 Minnesota Twins Season was the Minnesota Twin's 46th season playing in the Twin Cities and their 106th season in the American League. They were managed by Ron Gardenhire and played their home games in the Metrodome.


2006 Minnesota Twins season
The Twins finished first in the American League Central with a 96-66 record. They were swept in three games by the Oakland Athletics in the 2006 American League Division Series.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Regular season
The Twins stumbled out of the gate after the death of Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett in late March, accumulating a dismal 25-33 record by June 7. Around that time, the team dropped underperforming veterans like Tony Batista, Juan Castro, and Kyle Lohse, replacing them with talented rookies from the Rochester Red Wings. The Twins went 9-1 in their next ten games, evening their record at 34-34. Interleague play was particularly generous to the team; the Twins had Major League Baseball's best Interleague record at 16 wins and 2 losses. By July 26 the team had won 34 of 42 games, leaving them tied with the White Sox at 59-41, but still 8.5 games behind the division-leading Tigers.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Regular season
As the season neared its conclusion, the Twins continued to put distance between them and the White Sox, while gaining on the Tigers. A key series starting on September 7 saw the Twins take three out of four from the Tigers. And after a commanding win in Boston on September 19, the Twins found themselves within a half game of the Central-leading Tigers. On September 25, the Twins beat Kansas City 8-1 to secure an American League playoff berth.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Regular season
A win in a 10-inning game against the Royals on September 28 moved the Twins into a tie with the Tigers atop the AL Central. With that win, the Twins broke a major league record by moving into first place after the team's 159th game. This was the latest in a season that a team moved into first place for the first time all season. (It was a tie for first at this point.)


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Regular season
The Tigers led the season series, so a tie at the end of the season between the Tigers and Twins would have meant the Twins get the wild card. Instead, the Tigers were swept by 100-game-losers Kansas City to end the season, and the Twins took one of three from the White Sox, giving the Twins their fourth AL Central title in five years. It was the first time in major league history that a team clinched on the last day of the season after never having held sole possession of first place.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Offense: Power and the Piranhas
For the first time since 1987, the Twins had legitimate power hitters in Justin Morneau, Torii Hunter, and Michael Cuddyer. On August 9, Morneau became the first Twin to hit 30 or more home runs since 1987, when Tom Brunansky, Gary Gaetti, and Kent Hrbek did it. The Twins led the Major Leagues in batting average with a team average of .287.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Offense: Power and the Piranhas
Morneau finished the season with 34 home runs, 130 runs batted in, and a .321 average and was named American League MVP.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Offense: Power and the Piranhas
Both Morneau and Joe Mauer won their first Silver Slugger Awards.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Offense: Power and the Piranhas
Hunter enjoyed a late season surge to also reach the 30 home run mark. On September 25, he homered off Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke in the bottom of the 7th inning and became the second Twin to hit 30 home runs in 2006. He finished the season with 31 home runs and 98 runs batted in.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Offense: Power and the Piranhas
Michael Cuddyer also had a breakout season as the Twins' cleanup hitter. He did not start the season as a regular player, but eventually replaced the ineffective opening day right fielder, Jason Kubel. By June, he was hitting fourth in the lineup, and he finished the season with 24 home runs, 109 runs batted in, scored 102 runs, and hit for a .284 average.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Offense: Power and the Piranhas
Morneau and catcher Joe Mauer may have finally earned the nickname "The M&M Boys", that had been prematurely applied to them early in the 2005 season. (This was the nickname applied to Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris in the early 1960s.) Not only did Mauer win the American League batting title, but he led the major leagues with a .347 average, finishing ahead of National League champion Freddy Sanchez. Mauer was the first catcher to lead either the American League or the majors in hitting. Two catchers did win the National League batting title. Bubbles Hargrave of the Cincinnati Reds did it in 1926. Ernie Lombardi led the National League twice: once for the Reds in 1938 and once for the Boston Braves in 1942. However, neither catcher won the major league title.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Offense: Power and the Piranhas
These strong hitters were complemented by the top and bottom of the Twins' order, where the players gave the hitters plenty of opportunities to drive in runs. Midway through the season, the Twins opted for a lineup that included Jason Tyner batting eighth, Jason Bartlett ninth, Luis Castillo first, and Nick Punto second. Manager Ron Gardenhire said that these players were like four leadoff hitters: all were fast and hit for average but not power. All four hit between .290 (Punto) and .312 (Tyner), but hit a combined six home runs.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Offense: Power and the Piranhas
Players like this caused Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillén to dub the team "the piranhas." Said Guillen:


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Offense: Power and the Piranhas
"All those little piranhas -- blooper here, blooper here, beat out a ground ball, hit a home run, they're up by four. They get up by four with that bullpen? See you at the national anthem tomorrow. When I sit down and look at the lineup, give me the New York Yankees. Give me those guys because they've got holes. You can pitch around them, you can pitch to them. These little guys? Castillo and all of them? People worry about the catcher, what's his name, Mauer? Fine, yeah, a good hitter, but worry about the little [guys], they're on base all the time."


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Offense: Power and the Piranhas
Despite the fact that the term came from a rival manager, it was quickly embraced by both the players and the fans, as well as media outlets such as ESPN. After running a popular "Twins Territory" commercial in 2007 featuring Jason Bartlett and Nick Punto at the Mall of America's Underwater World as "Piranhas"  the Minnesota Twins organization marketed official T-shirts, hats, signs, the team even had a "Little Piranha Night" in which piranha finger puppets were given to fans attending the game that evening.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Offense: Power and the Piranhas
The four finished their MLB careers hitting a combined .274 and just 79 HRs in 14262 at-bats.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Pitching
For much of the season, the Twins' starting rotation was its most apparent weakness. This is surprising, because the 2005 Minnesota Twins had one of the strongest rotations in baseball. The team started the season with a rotation of Johan Santana, Brad Radke, Carlos Silva, Kyle Lohse, and Scott Baker. By September, only Santana could be counted on for a full, effective start.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Pitching
Baker was not effective and was quickly demoted to the minors, though he came back a couple times and had a couple competent starts. Lohse was ineffective, surly, and traded to the Cincinnati Reds midway through the season. Radke started slowly but seemed to find his form, providing some consistency to the number two spot before being sidelined with a torn labrum and a stress fracture in his right shoulder. Silva was unable to find his 2005 form, finishing the season with an ERA of 5.94. He did make a few strong starts in September before regressing.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Pitching
On May 19, talented rookie Francisco Liriano entered the starting rotation. He pitched well enough to earn an All-Star berth, finishing with a 12-3 record and a minuscule ERA of 2.16. Unfortunately, he was sidelined after the All-Star break with elbow problems. He did not pitch at all in 2007, as he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. Boof Bonser had an up-and-down season, but finished strong with a 7-6 record and 4.22 ERA. This earned him a spot in the postseason rotation. Matt Garza was the team's top pitching prospect, but was inconsistent during his first partial year in the majors.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Pitching
The Twins had one of baseball's best bullpens. Dennys Reyes, signed to a minor-league deal during the offseason, provided a pleasant surprise with an excellent season as the Twins' sole left-handed reliever. Right-handers Jesse Crain and Juan Rincón set the stage throughout the season for closer Joe Nathan, with homegrown rookie Pat Neshek contributing some solid innings after being recalled from the minor leagues in July. Pitchers like Willie Eyre and Matt Guerrier ate up innings when the starters faltered.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Pitching
In the May 27 game against Seattle, Jesse Crain – with a lead – loaded the bases with no outs in the eighth. Juan Rincón replaced Crain, and promptly ended the threat – with just one pitch – by inducing Mariner Kenji Johjima to hit into a triple play. Rincon threw 26 more pitches in the ninth for the save.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Defense
The Twins finished tied for second place in the American League with a .986 fielding percentage. The team's defense was noticeably stronger when the left side of the infield was revamped in June, when the team traded shortstop Juan Castro to Cincinnati and released third baseman Tony Batista. Jason Bartlett and Nick Punto stepped into those roles, providing an immediate upgrade.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Team overview, Defense
In center field, Torii Hunter won his sixth Gold Glove Award.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Player stats, Batting, Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Player stats, Batting, Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Playoffs
After the Twins won the division, the American League playoff matchups were decided as follows: number two seed Minnesota Twins hosting number three seed Oakland Athletics, and number one seed New York Yankees hosting the wild card Detroit Tigers.


2006 Minnesota Twins season, Playoffs
The Twins were defeated by Oakland in a three-game sweep, ending their playoff run for 2006. The Twins got great starts from both Johan Santana and Boof Bonser (who made his first post season appearance) at the Metrodome. After losing game 1 by the score of 3-2, the Twins came back to even the score at 2 in game 2. With two outs and a runner on first in the top of the 7th inning, Mark Kotsay hit a line drive to center field that Torii Hunter made a valiant dive for. Unfortunately, the ball sailed past him all the way to the wall, resulting in an inside-the-park home run for Kotsay. This play seemed to take all the momentum away from the Twins. The Twins never led in any game in this series.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season
The 2006 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 46th in the National Football League. Under new head coach Brad Childress, the team finished with a 6–10 record; however, they led the league in rushing defense, surrendering only 985 rushing yards; they are one of only two franchises in NFL history to allow fewer than 1,000 rushing yards in a 16-game season (the other was the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens in 2000).


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Offseason
On January 6, 2006, the Vikings hired Brad Childress to take over from Mike Tice as head coach, making them the first team to hire a new head coach during the 2006 offseason. Childress previously held the quarterbacks coach position with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999 to 2002, and was the offensive coordinator from 2002 to 2005; he was also offensive coordinator for the Wisconsin Badgers from 1993 to 1999 under Barry Alvarez.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 1: at Washington Redskins
The Vikings started the regular season on the road against the Washington Redskins on September 11, the first game of a Monday Night Football doubleheader on opening weekend. The Vikings drew first blood as running back Chester Taylor ran in a 4-yard touchdown on their opening drive; however, during the extra-point try, holder Chris Kluwe fumbled the snap and instead tried to go for a two-point conversion, which failed. The Vikings lead was cut in half later in the quarter, as Redskins kicker John Hall made a 27-yard field goal.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 1: at Washington Redskins
In the second quarter, things were starting to look grim for the Vikings, as Redskins running back Clinton Portis and kicker Hall gave the Redskins a 5-yard touchdown run and another 27-yard field goal to make the score 13–6. The Vikings responded with a last-second 46-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Longwell to close the first half. In the third quarter, the Vikings continued their comeback as quarterback Brad Johnson threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Robinson to give Minnesota a 16–13 lead. However, the Redskins tied the game up on a 22-yard field goal by Hall.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 1: at Washington Redskins
Late in the fourth quarter, Longwell gave the Vikings a 19–16 lead, as he kicked a 31-yard field goal. During the final minute of the game, the Vikings held their ground and hung on to give Brad Childress his first head coaching win, as Hall missed a 48-yard field goal for the home side.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 2: vs. Carolina Panthers
In their Week 2 home-opener, the Vikings faced the Carolina Panthers in a low-scoring fight. The Vikings drew first blood with a 26-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Longwell. In the second quarter, Carolina got a field goal with opposing kicker John Kasay. The Vikings responded with another Longwell field goal from 22 yards, but they fell before halftime with opposing running back DeAngelo Williams getting a 3-yard run for the Panthers. The Vikings trailed a bit further in the third quarter, as Karney kicked a 26-yard field goal. The Vikings started their own comeback.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 2: vs. Carolina Panthers
In the fourth quarter, Longwell faked a field goal try and threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to fullback Richard Owens to tie the game up going into overtime. In the extra period, Longwell booted the game-winning 19-yard field goal to give Minnesota the win. It was the first time in Vikings history that a coach started 2–0 in his first year.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears
Staying at home, the Vikings played a fierce NFC North fight with the Chicago Bears. In the first quarter, Minnesota got on the board first with kicker Ryan Longwell completing a 31-yard field goal, but the Bears tied it up via a 41-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould. In the second quarter, Longwell put the Vikings back in front with a 26-yard field goal, the only score of the period. In the third quarter, Minnesota began to trail, as Gould kicked a 24-yard and a 31-yard field goal to give Chicago a small lead.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears
In the fourth quarter, the Vikings retook the lead as cornerback Antoine Winfield returned an interception 7 yards for a touchdown. Gould kicked a 49-yard field goal, but Longwell answered with a 41-yard field goal for the Vikings. The Vikings fell to their doom, as Chester Taylor fumbled and the Bears quarterback Rex Grossman completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Rashied Davis, which gave the Vikings their first loss of the year. Of the first five games played by the Bears in the 2006 season, this was the closest game. All others have been decided by at least 26 points.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 4: at Buffalo Bills
Hoping to rebound from the previous week's loss, the Vikings traveled to Ralph Wilson Stadium for a match-up with the Buffalo Bills. In the first quarter, the Vikings drew first blood as kicker Ryan Longwell nailed a 37-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Minnesota got into a tiny hole, as Bills running back Willis McGahee got a 1-yard touchdown run.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 4: at Buffalo Bills
Longwell gave the Vikings a 49-yard field goal as time ran out of the first half, but in the third quarter, the Vikes found themselves in a bit of a hole, as Buffalo quarterback J. P. Losman connected with wide receiver Peerless Price on an 8-yard touchdown pass for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Minnesota trailed even further, as Bills kicker Rian Lindell got a 28-yard field goal. The Vikings tried to come back, as quarterback Brad Johnson completed a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Robinson. The two-point conversion failed and during their next drive, they ran out of time. With their loss, the Vikings fell to 2–2.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions
After dropping two straight games, the Vikings came home for an NFC North fight with the Detroit Lions. The Vikings struck first with a 26-yard field goal, which were the only points scored in the first quarter. The Vikings did not score again until the fourth quarter. Detroit got close, but Napoleon Harris got the first interception of his five-year career at the end of the first. In the second quarter, Detroit quarterback Jon Kitna ran 8 yards to score a touchdown, putting the Lions ahead 7–3. Detroit's next drive resulted in a field goal to put them ahead 10–3.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions
In the third quarter, Detroit recovered a Vikings fumble and then go on to score another touchdown to bring their lead to 17–3. In the first minute of the fourth quarter, the Vikings' Travis Taylor scored a touchdown on a three-yard reception to bring the score to 17–10. The Lions' next drive ended in a forced fumble when Pat Williams burst through the line untouched and Kitna lost the ball, which was picked up by the Vikings' Ben Leber in the end zone for a touchdown; however, the extra point was blocked, leaving the score at 17–16.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions
With a 4th-and-1 for the Vikings on the Lions' 34, kicker Ryan Longwell pooch-punted the ball to the Lions' 7. Later, the Vikings scored a 20-yard field goal to take the lead at 19–17. Detroit then threw an interception on 4th-and-10 to E.J. Henderson, who ran 45 yards to score a touchdown, bringing the score to 26–17. The Vikings' Darren Sharper got an interception in the last minute to seal the victory, bringing the Vikings' record up to 3–2.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 7: at Seattle Seahawks
Coming off their bye week, the Vikings flew to Qwest Field and took on the Seattle Seahawks. In the first quarter, the Vikes drew first blood with kicker Ryan Longwell nailing a 33-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Seahawks responded with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completing a 72-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Darrell Jackson. In the second quarter, Seattle improved its lead with kicker Josh Brown kicking a 42-yard field goal. Minnesota responded with quarterback Brad Johnson completing a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Robinson.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 7: at Seattle Seahawks
In the third quarter, the Vikings managed to retake the lead with running back Mewelde Moore throwing a 15-yard option pass to tight end Jermaine Wiggins, while running back Chester Taylor ran 95 yards for a touchdown (the longest rushing touchdown play in franchise history). In the fourth quarter, the Seahawks had Brown kick a 26-yard field goal. The Vikes pulled away and won with defensive tackle Kevin Williams recovering a Seattle fumble in their endzone. With the win, Minnesota improved to 4–2.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 8: vs. New England Patriots
The Vikes fell to 4–3 with a loss at home on Monday Night Football to the New England Patriots.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 8: vs. New England Patriots
The Pats, who came out passing instead of bothering to even try challenging the Vikings rush defense, got out to an early lead on the opening drive as quarterback Tom Brady hit wide receiver Reche Caldwell for a 6-yard touchdown pass. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski connected on a 23-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Brady threw his second of what turned out to be four touchdown passes, this time to tight end Benjamin Watson just before halftime to give the Pats a 17–0 lead.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 8: vs. New England Patriots
The Vikes finally got on the board as running back Mewelde Moore returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter. That was all the Vikings could muster as Brady threw his final two touchdowns to wide receivers Troy Brown and Chad Jackson respectively to close out the scoring.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 9: at San Francisco 49ers
Hoping to rebound from their disappointing home loss to the Patriots, the Vikings flew to Monster Park for a Week 9 clash with the San Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, the Vikings scored first, as kicker Ryan Longwell completed a 21-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the 49ers get two Joe Nedney field goals (a 25-yarder and a 30-yarder) and take the lead. After a scoreless third quarter, Nedney put the game away for San Francisco as he nailed a 51-yard field goal. With another loss, the Vikes fell to 4–4.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 10: vs. Green Bay Packers
Trying to end their two-game skid, the Vikings flew home for an NFC North fight with the Green Bay Packers. In the first quarter, the Vikings trailed early as Packers kicker Dave Rayner nailed a 20-yard field goal, while quarterback Brett Favre completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Noah Herron. In the second quarter, the Vikes took the lead as quarterback Brad Johnson completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Billy McMullen. Afterwards, McMullen recovered a fumble within the Packers end zone for another touchdown.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 10: vs. Green Bay Packers
However, Green Bay retook the lead with Favre completing an 82-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Donald Driver. In the third quarter, Rayner helped the Packers with a 24-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Rayner kicked one more field goal for Green Bay, as he kicked a 29-yard field goal. Minnesota tried to fight back, but all they could get was kicker Ryan Longwell nailing a 34-yard field goal. With their third-straight loss, the Vikings fell to 4–5.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 11: at Miami Dolphins
Trying to stop a three-game skid, the Vikings flew to Dolphin Stadium for an interconference fight with the Miami Dolphins. In the first quarter, the Vikes struck first with running back Chester Taylor getting a 1-yard touchdown run for the only score of the period. However, in the second quarter, the Dolphins took the lead with kicker Olindo Mare getting a 44-yard field goal, while quarterback Joey Harrington completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Justin Peelle. In the third quarter, Minnesota tied the game with kicker Ryan Longwell nailing a 35-yard field goal.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 11: at Miami Dolphins
Afterwards, in the fourth quarter, Longwell kicked a 19-yard field goal to help the Vikings retake the lead. However, Miami's defense made some huge stops on the Vikes, with free safety Renaldo Hill returning a fumble 48 yards for a touchdown, while defensive end Jason Taylor returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown. The only response that Minnesota could muster was on the final offensive play of the game, as Taylor got another 1-yard touchdown run. With their fourth-straight loss, the Vikings fell 4–6.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Hoping to end their four-game skid, the Vikings returned home for a Week 12 fight against the Arizona Cardinals. This game was notable for the return of Head Coach Dennis Green, who formerly coached the Vikings and now works for the Cardinals. Right out of the gate, the Vikes trailed early as Cardinals running back J. J. Arrington returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. The Vikings responded with running back Chester Taylor getting a 1-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, Cards kicker Neil Rackers helped increase Arizona's lead with a 21-yard and a 50-yard field goal.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Afterwards, Minnesota struck back with quarterback Brad Johnson completing a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Robinson. In the third quarter, the Vikings took the lead with Johnson completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Billy McMullen, while kicker Ryan Longwell nailed a 40-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Vikes managed to put the icing on the game with Johnson completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to fullback Jeff Dugan.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals tried to fight back, with Strong Safety Adrian Wilson returning a fumble 99 yards for a touchdown (with a failed two-point conversion) and quarterback Matt Leinart completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Minnesota held on to snap its four-game losing streak. With the win, the Vikings improved to 5–6.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 13: at Chicago Bears
Trying to build on their win over the Cardinals, the Vikings flew to Soldier Field for an NFC North rematch with the Chicago Bears. After a scoreless first quarter, the Bears drew first blood in the second quarter with defensive back Devin Hester returning a punt 45 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, Minnesota had kicker Ryan Longwell nail a 23-yard field goal.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 13: at Chicago Bears
In the third quarter, Longwell kicked a 30-yard field goal, but that was as close as the Vikings got to Chicago in the game, because after Longwell's field goal, the Bears took over with defensive back Ricky Manning, Jr. returning an interception 54 yards for a touchdown, while running back Cedric Benson got a 24-yard touchdown run. By the time the fourth quarter came around, quarterback Brad Johnson was benched for the game, due to throwing four interceptions.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 13: at Chicago Bears
Back-up quarterback Brooks Bollinger took over, but he fare any better, as he got sacked in his own end zone by defensive tackle Tank Johnson for a safety. Afterwards, the Vikings had their only successful drive of the game with running back Ciatrick Fason getting a 4-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, Bollinger sprained his left arm during a sack, so rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson came in to finish the game. With the loss, Minnesota fell to 5–7.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 14: at Detroit Lions
After getting swept by the Bears, the Vikings flew to Ford Field for an NFC North rematch with the Detroit Lions. In the first quarter, running back Artose Pinner (a former Lion) helped Minnesota gain an early lead with a 3-yard and a 4-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, quarterback Brad Johnson got a 3-yard touchdown run, yet it was followed up with a failed two-point conversion. Detroit retaliated with defensive back Jamar Fletcher returning an interception 88 yards for a touchdown, while kicker Jason Hanson kicked a 53-yard field goal.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 14: at Detroit Lions
In the third quarter, the Vikes got a 30-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Longwell, yet Detroit's Hanson nailed a 45-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Pinner helped wrap the game up with a 1-yard touchdown run. Even though Lions quarterback Jon Kitna completed a 23-yard touchdown pass to running back Kevin Jones, Minnesota held on to sweep Detroit. With the win, the Vikings improved to 6–7.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 15: vs. New York Jets
Following their win over the Lions, the Vikings went home for a Week 15 interconference fight with the New York Jets. In the first quarter, the Vikes took an early lead with quarterback Brad Johnson completing a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Travis Taylor. However, the Jets struck back with running back Cedric Houston with a 6-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, things got bad for Minnesota. First, New York got a 25-yard field goal from kicker Mike Nugent. Then, quarterback Chad Pennington completed a 21-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Laveranues Coles.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 15: vs. New York Jets
Afterwards, Nugent kicked a 52-yard and a 45-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Jets' lead increased with Nugent's 20-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson came in a completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to running back Mewelde Moore. That was the only response from the Purple People Eaters. With the loss, the Vikings fell to 6–8.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 16: at Green Bay Packers
Trying to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, the Vikings flew to Lambeau Field for an NFC North rematch with the Green Bay Packers in a Thursday night fight. For this game, Minnesota gave rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson the start. In the first half, the Packers took an early lead as kicker Dave Rayner nailed a 38-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 44-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Vikes took the lead with cornerback Fred Smoot returning an interception 47 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Rayner gave Green Bay the win with a 44-yard field goal. With the loss, not only did the Vikings fall to 6–9, but they also got eliminated from the NFC playoff race.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 16: at Green Bay Packers
A huge cause for Minnesota's loss was that the offense was only able to get three first downs the entire game. Also, in keeping with the fact that the Vikings were the most penalized team in the league in 2006, they committed 10 penalties for a loss of 68 yards.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 17: vs. St. Louis Rams
Trying to end their season on a high note, the Vikings went home for a Week 17 intraconference fight with the St. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, Minnesota trailed early as Rams defensive back Ronald Bartell returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown. Also, kicker Jeff Wilkins helped St. Louis with a 42-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Vikings managed to score with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson getting a 1-yard touchdown run.


2006 Minnesota Vikings season, Regular season, Game summaries, Week 17: vs. St. Louis Rams
However, in the second quarter, things got worse for the Vikes as Rams running back Steven Jackson got a 4-yard touchdown run and even a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Marc Bulger. In the third quarter, things continued to get worse for Minnesota as Wilkins kicked a 53-yard field goal, while Jackson got a 2-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, St. Louis wrapped up its domination with Jackson with a 59-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, the Vikes got its remaining points with running back Chester Taylor getting a 1-yard touchdown run, while Tarvaris Jackson completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Travis Taylor. With three straight losses to close out the season, the Vikings finished at 6–10.


2006 Minnesota elections
The Minnesota State Elections were held on November 7, 2006, seats were up for election for both the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate as well as the race for Governor of Minnesota, Minnesota Attorney General, Minnesota Secretary of State, and Minnesota State Auditor.


2006 Minnesota elections, Overview
The 2006 elections saw all 134 seats in the State House, elected to 2-year terms, and all 67 seats in the State Senate, elected to 4-year terms, up for election. Incumbent Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty ran for a second term with opposition coming from Democratic-Farmer-Labor Attorney General Mike Hatch. Republican Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer saw opposition from DFLer Mark Ritchie, and Republican Auditor Patricia Anderson was challenged by DFLer Rebecca Otto.


2006 Minnesota elections, House elections
Since 1998 the Republicans held a majority in the House of Representatives which, since the 2004 elections, had been reduced to a slim 68-66. In 2006 the DFL gained 19 seats to give them an 85-49 majority.


2006 Minnesota gubernatorial election
The 2006 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 2006. Incumbent Tim Pawlenty was endorsed by the state Republican convention on June 2, 2006, while the state Democratic–Farmer–Labor convention endorsed Mike Hatch on June 10, 2006. The party primaries took place on September 12, 2006, with Hatch defeating DFL challengers Becky Lourey and Ole Savior and incumbent Pawlenty defeating Sue Jeffers. In the November 7 general election, Pawlenty received a plurality of the votes, defeating Hatch by a margin of 1%. As a result, this election was the closest race of the 2006 gubernatorial election cycle.


2006 Minnesota gubernatorial election
It is widely believed that Hatch's lead in the polls quickly evaporated just days before the election after his running mate's response to a question about ethanol posed by a KSAX-TV reporter.


2006 Minnesota gubernatorial election
As of 2021, it is the last time a Republican won a statewide race in Minnesota.


2006 Minnesota gubernatorial election, General election
On November 7, 2006, Tim Pawlenty narrowly won the general election, 46.7% to 45.7%, in a four-way race between himself, DFL candidate Mike Hatch, Independence Party candidate Peter Hutchinson, and Green Party candidate Ken Pentel. After Pawlenty opted out of spending limits, Hatch followed suit. Outspending Hatch by $1 million, Pawlenty's campaign set a new spending record for a Minnesota gubernatorial campaign. The race was also affected by negative advertising by 527 groups, as well as issue-oriented groups opposing liberal causes in the state.


2006 Minnesota gubernatorial election, General election
A major issue in the campaign that was considered to have hurt the DFL nominees was lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Judi Dutcher's response to a question about E-85. When asked about the impact of the gasoline alternative on the economies of rural Minnesota by then KSAX-TV anchor Corey Poppe, Dutcher was unable to comment, asking Poppe to define E-85. In the subsequent questioning about her response, gubernatorial candidate Mike Hatch reportedly called a Forum Communications reporter "a Republican whore" and promptly hung up the phone. Hatch claimed he had said "hack", not "whore", but the incident, occurring only three days before the last poll listed in this article, is believed to have swung the race. It put Hatch on the defensive in the campaign's last week.


2006 Minnesota gubernatorial election, General election
Additionally, Pawlenty made illegal immigration an issue, running ads accusing Hatch of trying to give illegal immigrants college tuition. Hatch responded with an ad saying that illegal immigration laws had not been enforced under Pawlenty's tenure. Pawlenty also ran ads accusing Hatch of being responsible for raising health care costs, a claim Hatch disputed. Pawlenty campaigned on a record of leading the state through hard times, balancing record budget deficits without raising major state tax rates or diminishing the state's "nation-leading" status on most socioeconomic indicators.


2006 Minnesota gubernatorial election, General election
Pawlenty won by piling up large margins in suburban counties as well as in central and southern Minnesota regions anchored by St. Cloud and Rochester. In his victory speech, noting that he would have to deal with a DFL House and Senate, Pawlenty said it was "a time tonight to be humble and time to be grateful." He promised that "the next four years are going to be different than the last four years" and that he would build "a common agenda" with DFLers who swept legislative and constitutional offices.


2006 Minnesota gubernatorial election, General election
Hatch ran ahead in Minneapolis, St. Paul and their inner-ring suburbs, and won by large margins around Duluth and the Iron Range. In his concession speech, Hatch advocated that legislators get back to "sitting down and getting to know each other in private" to establish common ground for bipartisan legislation, and called for an end to partisan rancor. Had the Hatch/Dutcher ticket been successful, he stated that this would have been one of his administration's first goals.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election
The 2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election was an election for the United States House of Representatives for the open seat of incumbent Martin Olav Sabo (DFL), who retired after serving the Minneapolis-based district for 28 years.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election
Sabo, who had rarely faced a serious electoral challenge, won reelection with 70% of the vote in 2004 in a district that went for John Kerry by 71% in the presidential election. The seat had elected candidates of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) since 1962 and was rated "Safe Democratic" by CQ Politics.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election
Sabo's surprising announcement in March 2006 prompted many area Democrats to enter the race. While state representative Keith Ellison received the party's endorsement, he was not backed by Sabo and faced stiff primary competition from former Sabo aide Mike Erlandson, among others. Having won the primary, Ellison handily defeated Republican nominee, business consultant Alan Fine, and the Independence nominee, businesswoman Tammy Lee, in the general election.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary, DFL endorsement
Before Sabo announced his retirement, he was already being challenged for the party endorsement by professor and anti-Iraq War activist Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer. Nelson-Pallmeyer's campaign was considered to have little to no chance of succeeding. When Sabo announced his retirement, several candidates entered the race, seeking the DFL endorsement to replace him. Hennepin County commissioner Gail Dorfman announced her campaign for the seat on March 21, 2006, becoming the first woman to enter the campaign, and assumed the status of one of the frontrunners due to her strong fundraising record.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary, DFL endorsement
At the district convention in May, state representative Keith Ellison won the endorsement after four ballots. Ellison winning the endorsement was considered a surprise, as election analysts had predicted a close race between Dorfman, Ellison and former DFL chair Mike Erlandson, but instead Ellison came away with a convincing margin of victory, with Dorfman in second and Erlandson in fourth, behind Nelson-Pallmeyer. After being heckled by delegates for refusing to commit to endorsing the winner of the convention, Erlandson left the building and decided to run in the primary anyway. This action angered DFL chair Brian Melendez, who accused Erlandson of disloyalty.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary, Primary election
In the September primary, the retiring Sabo backed Erlandson. Ellison and Erlandson were joined by state senator Ember Reichgott Junge and Minneapolis City Councillor Paul Ostrow in the primary race, along with several minor candidates. Junge was widely considered the most moderate candidate, and her campaign was largely focused around healthcare, while Ellison was focused on turning out traditionally overlooked voters, like Somali Americans and members of the LGBT community.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary, Primary election
However, Ellison's campaign suffered from numerous controversies, such as revelations that he had failed to pay back parking tickets, and that in the early 90s he had written articles praising the Nation of Islam. Erlandson attacked both Ellison and Junge, drawing attention to the controversies Ellison had been involved in, and criticising Junge for numerous votes she had made while a state senator and for being the Minnesota chair of Joe Lieberman's 2004 presidential campaign. Erlandson also emphasised his supposed ability to work with other elected Democrats in order to pass legislation. Ellison went on to win the September 12 primary with 41% of the vote.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, Republican primary
Despite the heavy Democratic lean of the 5th district, Republicans were hopeful that with Sabo's retirement, their candidate would perform well. Before Sabo announced his retirement, two Republicans had already announced campaigns, Tim Anderson and James Turnham. However, by May the 3rd, both had dropped out, with Turnham citing "some unfortunate circumstances" as his reason for doing so, paving the way for business consultant Alan Fine to receive the party's nomination. Viewed as a moderate Republican, Fine was pro-choice, and his campaign was noted in its early days for its gentleness, with Fine himself often playing the piano at campaign events.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, General election, Campaign
Following Ellison's victory in the DFL primary, Fine and Lee immediately started campaigning. Ellison promised to run a campaign on the "issues", and accused his opponents of attempting to steer the conversation towards his controversies because "on the issues they're in... big trouble". Ellison also attempted to de-emphasise his religion while campaigning. Fine's campaign largely focused on Ellison's past ties to the Nation of Islam and Louis Farrakhan, while Lee's campaign emphasised her fiscal centrism, declaring that Fine was too conservative to beat Ellison. In contrast to Fine and Lee, Pond declared that Ellison was insufficiently liberal, stating that he had not been fast enough to denounce the Iraq War. However, Pond largely failed to gain traction, which was attributed to Ellison's staunch progressivism drawing off left-wing support that Pond might otherwise have received.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, General election, Campaign
In contrast to the genial tone his campaign had taken during the primaries, Fine's general election campaign took a staunchly combative turn. Special attention were drawn to Fine's comments after Ellison had won the primary, when he stated "I’m extremely concerned about Keith Ellison, Keith Hakim, Keith X Ellison, Keith Ellison Muhammad", referring to various pseudonyms Ellison had used when he was in college. These remarks were seen by some as racist, and one of Fine's brothers, Robert Fine, wrote a letter to Ellison denouncing his brother's comments. Fine's campaign was also wracked by allegations that he had abused his former wife in 1995, first revealed in a story by Star Tribune reporter Rochelle Olson. Fine strongly denied the allegations, claiming that Olson had ties to Ellison, and accused the Star Tribune of trying to "rig the election".


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, General election, Campaign
Lee capitalized on Ellison's controversies by securing endorsements from a coalition of Minnesota Democrats, including Kathleen Anderson, Sabo's long-time district director. Anderson labelled Ellison a "scofflaw" and stated that Lee was the only candidate "honorable" enough to carry on Sabo's legacy. Lee's campaign was largely focused around winning voters in the more moderate, suburban area of South Minneapolis. As the campaign continued, Lee was widely considered to be in second place, and several Republican officials attempted to convince Fine to drop out of the race in order to prevent the anti-Ellison vote from being split, but he refused.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, General election, Campaign
Media coverage of the race outside of Minnesota largely focused around Ellison's status as the possible first Muslim member of the United States Congress. This focus was criticised both by Ellison's campaign and by Columbia Journalism Review, which found that the media was shoehorning Ellison's religion into articles where it was not relevant, and that the media was not giving anything other than a surface-level depiction of Islam, noting that only the St. Petersburg Times had stated whether Ellison was a Shia or Sunni in their coverage.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, General election, Campaign
In contrast, Columbia Journalism Review praised the Star Tribune's coverage of the race, finding that it was more substantial than the coverage in newspapers based outside of Minnesota. Fine strongly criticised the media's coverage of the race, stating that they had not covered Ellison's controversies enough and that they were not discussing the political positions of the candidates.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, General election, Sabo support
During the primary run, departing Representative Sabo had endorsed and donated money to the campaign of his longtime chief of staff, Mike Erlandson. When Ellison won the primary and his campaign manager contacted him, Sabo said that he "wouldn't be supporting anyone in the race". Sabo donated funds to the general election campaigns of many Minnesota Democrats, including Coleen Rowley, Patty Wetterling, Tim Walz, and Amy Klobuchar, but none to Ellison. Several Democrats were disappointed with Sabo's refusal to endorse Ellison.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, General election, Sabo support
Sabo allowed a picture of himself with Lee to be used in her campaign literature, and in response to this an anonymous individual set up a site designed to look like Lee's campaign website, wherein they accused Sabo of being motivated by racism in his refusal to endorse Ellison. This website was later revealed to have been created by activist Chris Stewart, who in 2006 was elected to the Minneapolis Board of Education.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, General election, Debates
There were three debates held over the course of the race, along with numerous forums. Ellison, Fine and Lee attended all three, while Pond only attended the latter. Pond did attend the second debate as a member of the audience, and upon seeing him, Ellison and Lee escorted him onto the stage in order for him to participate. However, the debate officials refused to allow him to do so, and Pond returned to his seat. In an analysis of the second debate, journalist and blogger David Zingler stated that Fine was the "least impressive" debater, finding that he was answering questions with "rambling dissertations that border on incoherent".


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, General election, Debates
Shortly prior to the third debate, which was held by several student groups at the University of Minnesota, Julian Santana, who was running a write-in campaign for the seat as the nominee of the Socialist Workers Party, unexpectedly showed up, and was allowed to participate. Lee was widely regarded as the winner of the third debate, though Pond was also regarded as having a strong performance.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, Reactions
Ellison's victory made him the first Muslim member of congress, as well as the first African-American congressman from Minnesota. Ellison's win was positively received by Muslim communities in the United States, who viewed it as an affirmation of their ability to advance politically. Incumbent congressman Sabo congratulated Ellison on his victory, stating "He has a big task in front of him and I wish him well". Sabo also cautioned Ellison against letting his high-profile status become a liability.


2006 Minnesota's 5th congressional district election, Reactions
After his victory, Ellison was denounced by users on the salafist message board Al-Hesbah, who deemed him "the first Jewish Muslim that goes to Congress" and "[a] one-way ticket to hell". Ellison announced that he would use a Quran when being sworn into his seat, a decision which led to the Quran oath controversy of the 110th United States Congress.


2006 Minnesota's 6th congressional district election
The 2006 Minnesota's 6th congressional district election was an election for the United States House of Representatives. State senator Michele Bachmann of the Republican Party defeated child safety advocate Patty Wetterling of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, and project co-ordinator John Binkowski of the Independence Party.


2006 Minnesota's 6th congressional district election, Republican convention, Campaign
During the Republican convention, Bachmann and Krinkie both portrayed themselves as conservatives, while Knoblach emphasised his supposed electability.


2006 Minnesota's 6th congressional district election, General election, Campaign
Wetterling had previously run for the seat in 2004 against Mark Kennedy, and was widely regarded to have had a strong showing that year. Bachmann, who was considered a staunch conservative, had strong support from the conservative wing of the Republican Party. The resignation of Florida Republican Mark Foley after allegations that he sent sexually suggestive messages to underage congressional pages boosted Wetterling's campaign, as it highlighted an issue that she was very visible on. Wetterling also ran numerous ads about the scandal, claiming that the allegations proved that Republicans were not fit to control the house. Bachmann proceeded to accuse Wetterling of politicising child abuse, a claim that was criticised by Clara Jeffery, editor-in-chief of Mother Jones. The race broke Minnesota records for spending on a House of Representatives election, with a total of $4.6 million being spent.


2006 Minnesota's 6th congressional district election, Polls and ratings
The election was considered highly competitive, in early October, CQPolitics.com rated it as "No Clear Favorite".


2006 Minor League Baseball umpire strike
The most recent umpire strike in Minor League Baseball history was the strike of 2006. It involved primarily a monetary dispute between the Association of Minor League Umpires (AMLU), a trade union, and the Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation (PBUC), a management company. The dispute resulted in the hiring of replacement umpires for a number of games, followed by minor concessions by both parties, resulting in a slight wage increase for umpires employed in Minor League Baseball.


2006 Minor League Baseball umpire strike, Parties involved
In 1999, the minor league umpires, under the umbrella of the Professional Baseball Umpire Corp (PBUC), unionized themselves and formed the Association of Minor League Umpires (AMLU). The following year, the AMLU signed a salary contract with the PBUC. The union was formed to provide support and protection for the umpires in contract negotiations with PBUC, which is in turn governed by the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL, the formal name of Minor League Baseball).


2006 Minor League Baseball umpire strike, Parties involved
As of the 2006 strike, the president of the union was Andy Roberts, an International League umpire, while attorney George Yund and Pat O'Conner were key figures representing management and the minor leagues. O'Conner, then a vice president and the chief operating officer of Minor League Baseball, would be elected president of the minor leagues at the end of 2007. The AMLU represented about 220 umpires in then 16 different leagues within Minor League Baseball.