The Democratic and Republican caucuses in the House and Senate are meeting between now and Sunday to organize and decide on leadership after a presumed DFL-stronghold in the Legislature fell into the GOP's hands Tuesday night.

Minnesota state Sen. Dennis Frederickson, R-New Ulm, is retiring after the current legislative session.

Veteran field coordinator Sarah Duevel this week joined the DFL Senate Caucus as field director.

Tarryl Clark was initially elected to the state Senate five years ago in a special election. She then easily won re-election in 2006 and emerged as a key DFL leader in the ensuing years. Now Clark is looking to unseat U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann in the 6th Congressional District.

Minnesota state Sen. Pat Pariseau, R-Farmington, does not plan to seek an eighth term in the Senate, she announced today.

"This is our little piece of Massachusetts: Michael Parry." That's how state Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem introduced the newest member of the GOP caucus at a press conference on Wednesday morning.