Despite a US Supreme Court ruling from last week saying that members aren't required to pay dues, Minnesota home health care workers have provided the state with enough signatures to start a union election here.

Running Aces Harness Park paid out nearly $440,000 less than it was supposed to in purses to horse owners -- in part caused by an acknowledged lack of oversight by its regulator -- between 2008 and 2012, according to a legislative auditor's report released on Tuesday.

Former House Minority Leader Matt Entenza made a last minute filing on Tuesday to run for state auditor against fellow DFLer Rebecca Otto.

All eyes in the political scene have turned to the state health insurance exchange, it seems, and most are casting either a skeptical glance or a withering glare in the direction of MNsure. Earlier this week, the exchange began its own “end-to-end” review of its work process, while simultaneously holding a first meeting with Office of theLegislative Auditor (OLA) head Jim Nobles.

Nobles' statement was greeted as welcome news for lawmakers from both parties during the meeting of the MNsure Legislative Oversight Committee.

Dayton said he supports Nobles' instincts to examine the contracts, and called an audit "highly appropriate."

Scott said the fact that Smith holds both positions is "troubling and a massive ethical concern for the state."

The announcement signals the state reaching an agreement with Mortenson Construction on a $738 million contract.

The teachers union counts 70,000 educators among its members.

In a statement issued to Politics in Minnesota on Thursday afternoon, Fairview argued that it still felt that it qualified for the exemption.