The Senate Finance Committee turned the Vikings stadium political situation upside down by inserting the controversial revenue source of allowing slot machines at two Minnesota racetracks. The Senate's chief author immediately vowed to have the so-called racino removed from the bill tomorrow in the Taxes committee.

Rep. Joe Mullery is no stranger to primary battles. The eight-term DFL legislator from North Minneapolis has faced intraparty contests in each of the last two election cycles.

In 2007, the commission tapped the San Francisco-based Roma Design Group for a comprehensive look at potential redevelopment of the area around the Metrodome.

If Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak ultimately becomes governor, his municipal post would temporarily be filled by city council president Barb Johnson. But Johnson apparently isn't angling for a title upgrade: last week she endorsed House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher.