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.

During the budget deficits that have marked the last decade at the state Capitol, lawmakers have frequently mulled ways to make local government more efficient and, perhaps more to the point, less expensive.

After adjourning in the wee hours of Thursday morning, the Minnesota House of Representatives plunged ahead with the bittersweet biennial ritual of retirement speeches from departing members.

After a pair of marathon floor debates, the House and Senate passed legislation this week authorizing construction of a $975 million stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.

The $975 million package, which would construct a new stadium for the team near the Metrodome site in Minneapolis, passed on a 73-58 vote, with more DFLers voting for the package than Republicans. All told, 40 DFL votes were cast in favor of the bill, with 33 Republicans voting “yes.” Many expected there to be 68 votes total for the bill -- the exact number needed to pass -- with the GOP and DFL caucuses evenly splitting the total.

The two lawmakers have opted to dissolve their newly registered campaign fund because it violated state law.

Campaign Finance Board Chairman Gary Goldsmith said Monday the fund as structured would be in violation of state law prohibiting lawmakers and candidates from operating political funds.

Polly Bowles plans to seek the GOP nomination in House District 49A, which includes much of Edina. Bowles hopes to replace GOP Rep. Keith Downey, who is running for an open Senate seat.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has long been viewed as all but invincible in 2012. Six years ago she trounced a three-term congressional incumbent by 20 percentage points, the largest margin in a U.S. Senate race in Minnesota in three decades.

In recent weeks, local party activists around Minnesota have commandeered many a school auditorium to endorse candidates for state House and Senate races.