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The  Minnesota Senate is back to a full 67 members for the 2016 session after Monday’s swearing in of newly-elected Sen. Jim Abeler.

The Republican from Anoka, who previously served 16 years in the Minnesota House, won a special election two weeks ago in Senate District 35. Abeler fills the vacancy created last fall by the resignation of Republican Branden Petersen.

During a ceremony, Abeler took the oath of office and offered some brief remarks. He asked the gathering of family, friends and colleagues to pray for him and for what happens in the Senate chamber.

“I will predict, I’ll go on a limb here, that every day will not be as happy on the floor as this day is,” Abeler said.

Senate Minority Leader David Hann, R-Eden Prairie, welcomed Abeler and praised his past legislative experience.

“He’s a man with a great heart and also a great head,” Hann said. “We know he’ll do great work for the people of the state.”

The swearing-in ceremony was the first official action in the Minnesota Senate Building room that will serve as the temporary Senate chamber for the 2016 session, which begins March 8.

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Tim Pugmire

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Anoka Republican Jim Abeler, who previously served 16 years in the Minnesota House, fills the vacancy created last fall by the resignation of Republican Branden Petersen. Abeler was sworn in Monday.

Abeler becomes newest state senator

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