DFL legislators unveiled a proposal to overhaul the state's campaign finance rules this morning in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that threw out limits on corporate political expenditures. The four-pronged proposal is sponsored by state Rep. Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley.

A bill for the innocuous-sounding purpose of establishing the position of state webmaster is reportedly attracting the nervous interest of high-tech lobbying interests, most notably Microsoft.

Common Cause and DFL legislators today lashed out at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce for filing a lawsuit that strikes down certain state campaign finance laws.

At first glance, last week's unallotment ruling by Ramsey County District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin's would seem to have a limited impact: restoring $5.3 million in funding for a nutrition program that assists poor people. But the judge's broader determination -- that Gov. Tim Pawlenty overstepped his legal authority by unilaterally closing a $2.7 billion budget gap last year -- could have far-ranging fiscal ramifications and instigate additional litigation.