Greta Bergstrom’s campaign strategy to win the DFL endorsement for the House seat being vacated by Rep. Michael Paymar is simple, according to her campaign co-chair. “Get out in front and get people backing you right from the start,” St. Paul City Council member Amy Brendmoen said.

Political and ideological opponents did not waste their chance to grab some of the spotlight from Tuesday's groundbreaking.

Bergeron works as a committee administrator on the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee.

Minnesota House seats like one now represented by St. Paul DFL Rep. Michael Paymar don’t open up that often. Like many urban districts, it’s a safe haven for Democrats — and the sort of prize that is rarely put up for grabs. Paymar has represented House District 64B for 17 years, winning re-election with margins around 70 percent or higher in the last four cycles.

The decision to import steel has been the subject of criticism, not least from former legislator and Iron Range DFL stalwart Tom Rukavina.

“Lean” is the watchword for the House DFL caucus’s 2013 lineup of committee administrators: Most of the House CAs will be responsible for two committees. Fortunately for House Democrats, the CA roster is notably long on experience.