Peterson challengers watch and wait
True story: Collin Peterson used to have a tough time getting elected to Congress. It took Peterson four tries before he finally defeated Republican incumbent Arlan Stangeland in 1990. Then Peterson faced back-to-back challenges from Republican Bernie Omann. In 1992 and 1994, Peterson held his seat, defeating Omann by a combined tally of fewer than 9,000 votes.
Lawmakers consider memorabilia, suite tax to help pay for Vikings stadium
While voting against the $975 million stadium proposal last year, the committee's chairwoman, Rep. Ann Lenczewski, brought the sports memorabilia tax before lawmakers. The bill would also expand the sales tax to suite and box seat rentals.
Money magnets: Some candidates have significant financial advantage over rivals
The Senate District 49 race has resulted in the largest haul so far with more than $100,000 in political contributions. Campaign finance reports have revealed this and a lot more, including some notable financial mismatches as well as challengers bringing in more than incumbents.
Leaders in Public Policy Award Winners Announced
Politics in Minnesota and Capitol Report are proud to announce the winners of our Leaders in Public Policy awards for 2012.
Dayton signs bill designed to ease permitting hurdles for businesses
Gov. Mark Dayton signed legislation on Monday that seeks to reduce red tape for businesses applying for permits. It's the second straight session in which Dayton and Republican legislative leaders have reached agreement on proposals to improve the state's regulatory climate.
Legislature sends enviro permitting bill to Dayton
The House and Senate on Thursday passed a conference report that reduces that further streamlines the environmental review permitting process. The bill, which is a priority for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, now awaits a decision by Gov. Mark Dayton
When government is part of the problem: the sequel
Last year I wrote about an exchange in the 2010 session between now retired Rep. Larry Haws, DFL-St. Cloud, and Rep. Mark Buesgens, R-Jordan. Haws sponsored legislation to allow students to transfer credits between MNSCU campuses; Buesgens was incensed that it took an act of the Legislature to do something so common-sensical.
Rules for shooting in self-defense would be loosened
The issue of gun rights has blazed a path onto the policy agenda at the state Capitol. The subject invariably puts legislators at odds with either law enforcement or the National Rifle Association, depending on their vote.
Freshman midterms – which new members are getting the most exposure and best reviews?
The scene was unusual for most Capitol regulars. At an early-session press conference, newly minted House Republican leaders Kurt Zellers and Matt Dean introduced the first symbolic bills of their newfound majority. Standing at their side were the bill authors - two first-time legislators just a few weeks removed from their swearing-in.
Dayton signs environmental permit steamlining bill
Over the objections of environmental groups, Gov. Mark Dayton has signed legislation aimed at making it easier for businesses to move through the environmental review and permitting system.
House GOP reveals zero-based budgeting and permitting bills
While Senate Republicans put two of their most powerful members - Majority Leader Amy Koch and Deputy Majority Leader Geoff Michel - in front of the group's major "jobs bill," the House GOP plucked two freshman to carry the caucus' first major proposals of the session.
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