As Charley Shaw writes this week, the new Republican majority in the Minnesota Senate appears dedicated to projecting a considerably more conservative face when Session 2011 convenes in seven weeks.

Chaudhary's primary loss made him the body's fifth departing chair

Joe Fricke has heard the words “political newcomer” many times. It’s what the news media and opponents are calling the 28-year-old law school graduate as he vies for a coveted seat in the Minnesota Senate. And while the label connotes a lack of experience, Fricke thinks it’s precisely that lack of experience that could be his ticket to St. Paul.

Joe Fricke has won the DFL endorsement to replace retiring state Sen. Steve Murphy. The 28-year-old attorney easily defeated Bruce Montplaisir, superintendent of the Lewiston-Altura school district, at Saturday's party convention. Fricked received 41 votes, compared to 7 for his DFL rival.