This one has an explanation. DFLer Perpich was nationally considered a great governor in the 80s but he was getting old and possibly senile with some weird statements. The original IR candidate was hard right Grunseth but 2 teenage girls accused him of skinny dipping with them. He also admitted to affairs and there were rumors that he had paid for an abortion. He ended up dropping out a week before the election and Arne Carlson was a moderate republican who stepped in.
Many Ds and independents picked Carlson over Perpich. Since Carlson was originally mounting a 3rd party bid, he also had that vote.
