Jaeger re-elected as North Dakota's secretary of state

After a contentious campaign, incumbent Republican Al Jaeger pulled off an Election Day victory over Democratic-NPL challenger Corey Mock and was re-elected to a sixth term.

With 434 of 505 precincts reporting at 10:50 p.m., Jaeger had 125,364 votes -- 62.29 percent of the vote.

Mock trailed with 37.61 percent, picking up 75,699 votes by 10:50 p.m.

Jaeger, 66, said he was "excited" to win another term in the office he's held since 1992.

"I'm very pleased with the affirmation that the voters have given us and the fact that the truth has prevailed," he said. "I really appreciate that."

While he never imagined that he'd be seeking re-election to the office 18 years later, Jaeger said, it's still the perfect job for him.

"It's a job that I very much enjoy and I like to think that we do a fine job for the people of North Dakota," he said. "It's really an honor and a privilege, and I'm humbled by the fact that the people have elected me again."

Jaeger said his focus will remain what it's been all along, including bringing bills for consideration to the North Dakota Legislature to clarify and improve state laws and procedures. Over the past 18 years, state lawmakers have passed more than 350 bills drafted and initiated by his office.

Mock said he was pleased his campaign focused on the need to make the secretary of state's office more efficient for businesses, residents and voters.

"I didn't run this campaign for any short-term political gain," he said. "I'm excited to work with my colleagues and hopefully Secretary Jaeger to improve the efficiency of his office and make it better."

Mock, 25, was elected to the North Dakota Legislature in 2008. He holds one of two state House seats from District 42, which covers northern Grand Forks.

He said he will soon be getting back to preparing for the 2011 legislative session and has "just about enough time to get an oil change, new tires and maybe get the interior cleaned out" after a year of campaigning around the state.

Mock's House seat will be up for re-election in 2012.

"I can't make a decision today about what I'm going to do in two years, but I thoroughly have enjoyed representing Grand Forks," he said. "We'll see if the residents of north Grand Forks believe that I can continue to represent them well for four more years if I decide to seek re-election."

Johnson reports on local politics. Reach him at (701) 780-1105; (800) 477-6572, ext. 105; or send e-mail to rjohnson@gfherald.com .