REGIONAL— As expected, former state Rep. Tom Rukavina cruised to an impressive primary victory on Tuesday, garnering just under 53 percent of the vote in the three-way contest to replace retiring Fourth District St. Louis County Commis-sioner Mike Fors-man.

Christina Hujanen, the community activist and businesswoman from Vermilion Lake Township, edged Greenwood Supervisor Kirsten Reichel, for the second spot and will square off against Rukavina in the Nov. 4 general election.

In total, Rukavina tallied 2,832 votes to 1,315 for Hujanen and 1,205 for Reichel.

Rukavina polled best on the East Range, portions of which he represented during his 26 years in the Minnesota Legislature. He racked up big margins in Hoyt Lakes, Aurora, Babbitt, and Ely, as well as in Embarrass and Pike Township, which has been his home for many years. While his margins were often smaller elsewhere, he proved the top vote-getter in most precincts throughout the sprawling district.

Reichel drew strength in the city of Cook and surrounding townships, and proved the top vote-getter in Beatty, Owens, Linden Grove, and several other townships in the northwestern part of the district. Hujanen had a few pockets of strong support, but showed broader strength throughout the entire district than Reichel, which gave her the edge.

“I’m feeling pretty humbled,” said Rukavina reflecting on the vote. “People have been really kind to me, and I’m going to work my butt off to win their support in the general. I want to do good things for the people of St. Louis County.”

But before he hits the campaign trail again, Rukavina said he’s got some neglected chores to catch up on at home. “I have a lot of firewood sitting outside and I’m going to get it in the woodshed today. And tomorrow I have to babysit. After that I’ll be out talking to people in the communities in the district.”

Hujanen said Wednesday that she’s already back on the campaign trail. “This is very important to me and I intend to give it my all,” she said. Hujanen thanked her supporters and said she’s looking forward to the fall campaign. “I think my fresh ideas and way of approaching issues is just what the district needs,” she said.

Despite her loss, Reichel said she had no regrets and was heartened by her strong showing in her home base around Cook. “It was my thought that Christina and I would split the vote. People do want to see a woman in that seat, but Christina had run before and she worked hard and that helped her.” And with a new grandson set to be born any day, Reichel said she doesn’t have time to dwell on the race. “I’m just moving on with life,” she said.