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.

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.

One theory as to why Emmer failed to catch a GOP wave that swept the nation is that he never recovered from a bruising month of July.

Republicans pummeled DFLers in the suburbs and greater Minnesota on Tuesday night to take control of both chambers of the Legislature for the first time since the modern partisan era started in the early 1970s.

Fundraising numbers are by no means the end all-be all indicator of a candidate's electoral success, but some recently released campaign finance reports reveal startling numbers that could point to several GOP takeovers in the state House.