Darin Broton

Dec 8, 2013

New coalition chases transportation funding

Advocates of increased funding for roads, bridges and transit projects across Minnesota hope to recreate a formula that worked once before. In the wake of the 2007 I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis, a broad coalition of groups, which included the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce as well as labor unions, joined hands to push for a 5.5 cent gas tax increase in the 2008 session.

Jun 6, 2012

DFLers eye friendlier turf in Kline’s redrawn district

Flanked by a half dozen supporters at the State Office Building, former Eagan state Rep. Mike Obermueller made his campaign against Congressman John Kline official this week. “John Kline hasn’t changed Washington nearly as much as Washington has changed John Kline,” Obermueller told supporters on Monday.

Feb 22, 2012

Congressional map makes minimal changes

Minnesota’s reapportioned congressional map yielded one well-publicized surprise by placing the home of Republican U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of the 6th Congressional District into the 4th District, which is represented by DFL U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum.

Aug 24, 2011

Will marriage amendment make trouble for suburban Republicans?

In the wealthy swing districts of Minneapolis’ western suburbs, the gay marriage amendment that will appear on the 2012 ballot lands outside voters’ chief concerns of taxes, education and the overall health of the economy.

Jun 17, 2011

Dayton’s call for a mediator could help him in public opinion war

Gov. Mark Dayton has suggested a novel approach to ending the protracted impasse over the state’s $5 billion budget deficit and averting a government shutdown. Under the Dayton administration’s shutdown blueprint, filed in Ramsey County District Court earlier this month, an outside mediator would be appointed to help drive the parties toward a resolution. The two possible budget referees sugge[...]

Jun 10, 2011

In the House, centrist Republicans could play a pivotal role in budget fight

Moderate legislators are hard to come by these days. By most accounts, last fall’s election saw voters oust most of the middle-of-the-road DFLers in the Minnesota House and replace them with a spate of freshman Republicans elected on a strong right-wing wave that swept the nation.

Mar 14, 2011

McGuire, Marchese and Copeland join SD 66 contest

Former DFL state Rep. Mary Jo McGuire has filed to run in the special election for the Senate seat being vacated by Ellen Anderson. McGuire spent more than a decade in the House representing Falcon Heights, but opted not to seek re-election in 2002 after redistricting pitted her against fellow DFL Rep. Alice Hausman.