Minnesota Lawyer

Political blogs have been abuzz in the last 24 hours with speculation that U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson might not seek re-election in 2010. But Peterson, who hosted a fundraiser yesterday, says the speculation is groundless.

Education Minnesota, the largest union in the state, has endorsed Tarryl Clark in the 6th Congressional District contest. The Democratic state senator has garnered near universal support from organized labor in her bid to oust U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann.

The DFL Veterans Caucus has endorsed R.T. Rybak for governor. The veterans' group cited Rybak's leadership skills in announcing the decision.

Can some form of General Assistance Medical Care be saved? That was the question debated this afternoon at a joint session of two House committees dealing with health care.

Stonewall DFL is backing Matt Entenza for governor. The party's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender caucus cited his strong support for gay marriage in making the endorsement.

Five more challengers have filed papers to take on incumbent state legislators. There are now 40 House challengers in 35 districts, with 31 Republicans and nine Democrats. On the senate side, 32 challengers have formed campaign committees, roughly two thirds of them Republicans.

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann is among the Republican voices that Washington insiders would most like to "mute," according to a new survey by The National Journal. Among GOP respondents, "no one" was the top choice of which individuals they'd like to hear less from, named by 16 percent of those surveyed.