Republicans are mired in an extended losing streak in statewide political contests. Since 2006, when Gov. Tim Pawlenty won re-election with 47 percent of the vote, Republicans have been shut out. That dubious streak reached a nadir of sorts last year, when U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar won re-election by nearly 35 percentage points over GOP challenger Kurt Bills.

The 2013 Legislature marks University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler’s first chance to negotiate a budget request at the State Capitol.

This month’s meager primary voter turnout has caused Gov. Mark Dayton and leaders from both parties to once again mull moving the primary to June. Just 9 percent of registered Minnesota voters turned out for the August 14 primary.

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.

Board of Regents Chair Linda Cohen said the established code of ethics doesn't mention a situation such as Sviggum's, it's the board's duty to investigate whether the arrangement is a proper.

During the early part of her two-plus decades in the state Legislature, retired Republican Sen. Pat Pariseau remembers being just one of a handful of Minnesota legislators who could call themselves members of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

Former state Rep. Laura Brod has joined the law firm of Lockridge Grindal Nauen as a "senior strategic advisor" focusing on business development and government affairs. The New Prague Republican served four terms in the House, but decided not to run for re-election last year.

Former state Reps. Laura Brod and Steve Sviggum were among a slate of four candidates elected to six-year terms on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents by a joint meeting of the House and Senate on Monday afternoon. The other two spots were filled by current regent David Larson and business executive David McMillan.

Retired Republican Rep. Laura Brod and former GOP House Speaker Steve Sviggum were both recommended for spots on the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents - despite originally seeking the same seat on the body. They face a vote from the full Legislature Monday.

Outgoing Republican state Rep. Laura Brod and current lame duck Budget Commissioner Steve Sviggum popped up on the list of 18 finalists for the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents.