2001 Saint Paul mayoral election
The 2001 Saint Paul mayoral election in the U.S. state of Minnesota held a scheduled primary election on the 11th of September and a general election on the 6th of November. Incumbent mayor Norm Coleman had opted against seeking a third term. The general election was particularly close, with Kelly winning by a mere 403 vote margin. Primary. A primary was held on September 11, from which the top two candidates would advance to the general election. The primary coincided with the date of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States. General Election  Results. Outgoing mayor Norm Coleman threw his support behind Kelly, and Kelly campaigned as a candidate that promised to continue much of Coleman's leadership style. Kelly pledged that public safety would be his top priority, while Benavav pledged that housing would be his.