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Minnesota GOP says $550,000 contribution to the DFL is illegal
The Republican Party of Minnesota, investigated in the past for its contributions and accounting methods, says it will file a complaint against the Minnesota DFL State Central Committee challenging...
View ArticleRepublicans try to figure out what went wrong with legislative races
The business groups that gathered at the Bloomington Hilton to monitor the results of Minnesota’s legislative races had early indications Tuesday night of the Republican losses that led to a DFL...
View ArticleWhile GOP leaders defend amendments, some losing candidates disagree
While Republican legislative leaders choose their words carefully and defensively to explain how they lost their majorities in the Minnesota House and Senate, some of their candidates are not so...
View ArticleAttack ads from super-sized outside groups frustrate 'outspent' legislative...
Political "identify theft." That’s how some candidates and election watchdogs describe the explosion of negative ads financed by outside groups in the 2012 Minnesota legislative campaigns. “The...
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Women poised to change politics, policy of next legislative session
State Rep. Jenifer LoonA new coalition of legislators moves into the Capitol next year with the potential to change the dynamics of the 2013 session. They are female, suburban and willing to buck the...
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Minnesota Senate gets another legal bill in Brodkorb case
Michael BrodkorbAnother bill is on the way to the Minnesota Senate for legal services related to the firing of Michael Brodkorb, former communications director for the Republican caucus. Paying that...
View ArticleGOP leader Dave Thompson breaks on Republican strategies, but keeps the faith
On the eve of a state budget forecast that could provide the platform for major DFL changes on spending and social issues, new Assistant Senate Minority Leader Dave Thompson rejected two key pieces of...
View ArticleMinnesota's Campaign Finance Board looks at expanding authority
Minnesota's Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board not only is contemplating asking the Legislature for more money but also looking at expanding its authority to put that money to use.On...
View ArticleAt school meeting in Edina, topic turns to guns and safety
The horror of what happened in Newtown, Conn., immediately drew lawmakers and school administrators in Edina into discussion of gun control and school safety.At a meeting Monday night of parents and...
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GOP worker on a losing campaign: ‘Frustrating but rewarding, too’
MinnPost photo by Brian HallidayErica SchumackPart 11 in a seriesIt was a difficult election year for Republicans in Minnesota. The DFL gained control of both houses of the Legislature, Sen. Amy...
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Old pro Hann, new face Daudt offer leadership contrast for minority GOP
The Minnesota Legislature's incoming minority leaders — David Hann in the Senate and Kurt Daudt in the House — will operate at a distinct disadvantage, given the DFL control of both chambers and the...
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Game-changing strategy for GOP: Run a woman for governor
There are rumblings in the Republican Party that it may be time for a conservative woman to run for governor.It’s no coincidence that the discussions are taking place as Republicans cast about to...
View ArticleSteve Sviggum among the many departed GOP Senate staff
Longtime Minnesota public official Steve Sviggum is among the 35 staff members of the Senate Republican caucus whose positions were eliminated with the downsizing that comes with minority...
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Minnesota GOP will choose new state chair from rival factions still at war
With the contest for a new chairman, the Republican Party of Minnesota is headed for another power struggle between two blocs of activists — the Ron Paul supporters who have taken over much of the...
View ArticleDayton, GOP legislative leaders find some common ground at first breakfast...
There’s nothing like a breakfast of scrambled eggs and hash browns in the elegant yet cozy dining room of the Governor’s Residence to take the edge off political harshness.Gov. Mark Dayton, continuing...
View ArticleGOP gives Dayton budget a cold shoulder
The Republican response to Governor Dayton’s budget proposal approximated the outdoor temperatures this week.Senate and House minority leaders Sen. David Hann and Rep. Kurt Daudt found nothing to like...
View ArticleAmy Koch reviews her ‘bad year,’ hits back at GOP critics
It’s been a bad year for former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, capped by a particularly bad week.On Wednesday, Michael Brodkorb, the staff member with whom she had the relationship that...
View ArticleMinnesota GOP insiders wonder where they go from here
Ronald Reagan incarnate could not have united the 250 Republicans who gathered Wednesday night in Arden Hills to discuss the future of their party.Billed as “Minnesota GOP: Where Do We Go From Here,” a...
View ArticleDayton’s budget: Tom Bakk seeks out business leaders’ views
For lobbyists, access to Minnesota legislators -- in the State Office Building, outside the House and Senate chambers or just over coffee -- has never been more critical, given the potential impact of...
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Minneapolis ranked-choice voting could give independent candidates a new way...
Few would bet against a DFLer winning the Minneapolis mayor’s race in November.Cam WintonBut with ranked-choice voting, the odds have improved some for independent candidate Cam Winton, who has...
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