The Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted 7-3, across party lines, to move the languishing proposal forward. It has so far passed one committee in the House. Sen. Scott Dibble, the measure's chief Senate sponsor, called the proposal a "responsible bill."

The proposal seeks to deal with a variety of issues that disadvantage women in the workplace.

"The DFL Party is in a strong position to reelect Gov. Mark Dayton [and] Sen. Al Franken," Martin said.

Nobles' statement was greeted as welcome news for lawmakers from both parties during the meeting of the MNsure Legislative Oversight Committee.

The politeness that has prevailed in the early stages of the CD 6 GOP race may have come to an end this week, when candidate Phil Krinkie fired the first volley aimed directly at a fellow Republican: frontrunner Tom Emmer.

Notable among those who did not endorse Nguyen is Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake, who has not ruled out running for the office.

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said the extra $26 million was meant to "ensure several features that are so important to all users of the stadium."

Soon after the event, MNsure executive director April Todd-Malmlov sent a letter of apology to the affected brokers.

Mills, the only declared GOP candidate in that race so far, was endorsed by a number of prominent Republicans who represent parts of the 8th District.

More than three years after passage of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Minnesota’s health insurance exchange opened for business on Tuesday. The MNsure website had more than 100,000 visitors on opening day, and more than 500 people created accounts in just the first hour of operation.