If the phrase “sure thing” can be applied anywhere in politics, it might be appropriate in a small part of St. Paul, including Falcon Heights and a swath of territory north of Interstate 94.

Reps. Bernie Lieder (DFL-Crookston) and Jeremy Kalin (DFL-North Branch) chat before the House is gaveled to order Thursday. It's the last week in the House for retiring two-termer Kalin.

The door marked “exit” at the Minnesota state Capitol will get a workout at the end of the 2010 session, with 17 legislators (so far) announcing that they’re not seeking re-election in the fall.

Late this morning I ran into Rep. Jeremy Kalin, the North Branch DFL rep who's not running for re-election this year, on the convention floor. His first words: "So what's your pool bet?" He was talking about how many ballots, and hours, it would take to settle Saturday's gubernatorial endorsement fight.

Robert Barrett this weekend cleared the crowded GOP field to replace Rep. Jeremy Kalin in District 17B.

On the eve of the District 17B DFL endorsing convention, local party chairwoman Cindy Erickson is getting nervous. Three people say they might seek the endorsement. But none have officially entered the race to replace retiring Rep. Jeremy Kalin.

If it’s possible to judge a legislator’s re-election vulnerability solely on the number of challengers that he or she attracts, then Lisa Fobbe, Jim Carlson and Kevin Dahle should probably watch their backs.

Minnesota state Rep. Jeremy Kalin, DFL-North Branch, announced today that he will not seek a third term in the House this fall.

Minnesota Republicans, buoyed by national congressional gains and an increasing tide of conservative sentiment, are queueing up to challenge incumbent DFL state legislators this year.

Fifteen more Minnesotans have registered campaign committees with the state to run for the state Legislature this year -- and one has dropped out of a House race in the east metro.