Observers and participants are predicting a full DFL field in the effort to find Dill’s successor.

The most important priorities, including transportation, local government aid, workforce housing and broadband infrastructure were either ignored or inadequately funded.

The biggest single players in the local-to-state relationship are the various coalitions and interest groups that pool resources from dues-paying members.

Roughly 12 weeks after it started, the legislative term remains a session in need of a theme.

Some of the freshman class of legislators are making names for themselves at the legislature.

Governor’s proposal to spend the $1.9 billion surplus faces resistance from the GOP.

Gov. Mark Dayton wants to focus state dollars to cities on street, highway and transit needs.

The vast majority of the 26 new members sworn in Tuesday come from outside the metro area, and Republicans claim their majority marks a step toward restoring parity among outstate communities and the Twin Cities.

Intense competition for budget dollars could make for a disappointing session for the judicial branch, which is seeking a 7.5 percent funding increase — or an additional $45 million — mostly to pay for raises for court personnel after five consecutive years of salary freezes.

In today’s economy, Greater Minnesota has a terrific story to tell, and in many ways deserves more attention from policymakers than the Twin Cities urban region.