John Carlson

Jul 5, 2013

Where are they now? Class of ’10 edition

Catching up with four former GOP legislators.

Nov 7, 2012

Election results spoil GOP’s party

What began as a practically giddy collection of Republican activists at the Hilton Minneapolis Bloomington on Tuesday night turned into a scene of despair by the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

Nov 2, 2012

Caucus leaders hit the road for closing pitches

Leaders from all four legislative caucuses are spending the waning days of the 2012 campaign barnstorming key districts around the state.

Nov 1, 2012

Senate President Fischbach to make final campaign push

Senate President Michelle Fischbach has set a campaign schedule that’s heavy on greater Minnesota districts in the days leading up to next Tuesday’s general election.

Oct 26, 2012

Timber, guns and money: Anzelc and McElfatrick are facing off in a central Minnesota district

On Thursday morning state Reps. Carolyn McElfatrick and Tom Anzelc appeared on the “Making Sausage” radio program on KAXE (FM 91.7) in Grand Rapids. They fielded questions about the budget, taxes and the proposed constitutional amendments.

Oct 19, 2012

In swing races, ground battle intensifies

For better or worse, Michael Brodkorb was back on the campaign trail last week. This time, however, the former GOP attack dog, deputy Republican Party chair and Senate communications guru who helped mastermind the 2010 GOP takeover of the chamber has materialized in a glossy pink and blue mailer that’s being used to attack Republicans.

Oct 17, 2012

Both sides go all out in Saxhaug-Carlson SD 5 duel

One of the most-watched and telling of the races in the new Senate District 5, operatives say, is the contest between freshman incumbent Republican Sen. John Carlson and 10-year incumbent Democrat Tom Saxhaug.

Sep 14, 2012

DEED grants: The Saints go marching in

In an announcement that brought cheers and jeers from both sides of the aisle, Gov. Mark Dayton ended more than three months of suspense Thursday by awarding $47.5 million in bonding money to nine projects.

Aug 3, 2012

Money magnets: Some candidates have significant financial advantage over rivals

The Senate District 49 race has resulted in the largest haul so far with more than $100,000 in political contributions. Campaign finance reports have revealed this and a lot more, including some notable financial mismatches as well as challengers bringing in more than incumbents.

May 23, 2012

Election 2012: You can’t tell the players without a scorecard

A lot changed in Minnesota’s legislative districts thanks to this year’s new redistricting map. Some incumbents were paired in newly drawn legislative territories; others found themselves installed in districts that bore little resemblance to their old electoral stomping grounds.

Mar 14, 2012

GOP’s internal battles over right-to-work continue

If Sen. Dave Thompson has his way, the road to the 2012 election will feature many scenes like the one that unfolded early Monday morning at the Capitol.

Mar 13, 2012