Ellen Anderson

Jan 30, 2012

Senate denies Ellen Anderson as chair of the PUC

Anderson was voted down in the chamber in which she served for nearly 20 years on a 37-29 party-line vote on Monday. Democrats defended their former Senate colleague and her record at the PUC, which regulates energy and telecommunications matters in the state.

Jan 27, 2012

Senate Republicans come out swinging

It was supposed to be such a nice session. Or at least that’s what Capitol watchers and many lawmakers were expecting after last year’s bitter shutdown fight. Nor was that the only wound still in need of closing.

Jan 27, 2012

Senate to take up Anderson confirmation Monday

Sen. Julianne Ortman said she expects former Sen. Ellen Anderson's appointment will be rejected.

Jan 11, 2012

LCC to Thornton: You’re unfired!

Republican legislative leaders’ aborted move to fire the veteran lead staffer on an environmental funding commission is still mired in mystery and fueling controversy.

Dec 23, 2011

Basis for Thornton firing still murky

News that Susan Thornton, the chief staffer for the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), had been fired came as a shock last week to many state legislators and people who lobby on environmental funding issues.

Nov 18, 2011

Higgins looks forward to ‘great adventure’

Sen. Linda Higgins doesn’t want her political obituary written just yet. First off, while the five-term Minneapolis senator announced last Monday that she won’t seek re-election in 2012, she plans to serve out her term through the end of next year.

Oct 21, 2011

DFLers hold on to friendly turf

The changing demographics and DFL-friendly voting record of Senate District 46 signaled an easy win for DFL Sen.-elect Chris Eaton in Tuesday’s special election.

May 12, 2011

Senate committee sends Anderson appointment to the floor without recommendation

Former DFL Sen. Ellen Anderson's appointment to lead the Public Utilities Commissioner under Gov. Mark Dayton passed through the Senate Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee without recommendation, and will now face a full vote on the Senate floor.

Apr 27, 2011

Budget agreement could hinge on policy, bonding measures

With less than a month to go before the Legislature is constitutionally required to adjourn, the GOP-controlled House and Senate find themselves fundamentally at odds with DFL Gov. Mark Dayton on the role of new tax revenues in fixing the state's $5 billion deficit. Dayton is pushing for about $2.5 billion in tax increases to help close the budget deficit, while Republicans are continuing to espou[...]

Apr 22, 2011

Dayton cabinet appointments could be drawn into budget deal

Only one of Gov. Mark Dayton's commissioners has been approved by the Senate so far. But as session draws closer to the adjournment date, sources say to watch for committee hearings to take up commissioner appointments, and some more controversial picks could be taken up on the floor. Why? The Republicans may use some appointments as leverage in the looming budget showdown.

Apr 13, 2011

Former DFL Rep. McGuire wins SD 66 special election

Former DFL Rep. Mary Jo McGuire will return to the Capitol - this time in the upper chamber - after winning the special election for Senate District 66 Tuesday evening.

Mar 24, 2011

Education Minnesota backs Lesch in SD 66

Ahead of next Tuesday's DFL special primary in Senate District 66, the statewide teachers union Education Minnesota has endorsed Rep. John Lesch to succeed former Sen. Ellen Anderson.