Even before Franken went public with his letter of concern, the Republican Party of Minnesota was targeting the Democratic incumbent for what it called "broken promises."

Early estimates put public property damage in Minnesota from flooding at $32 million, and that's without all of the damaged counties reporting.

1.) How to handle the projected budget surplus is among the issues most likely to divide elected Democrats in the coming months, and the various ...

Earlier, McFadden had gained the endorsement of former U.S. Sens. Norm Coleman and Rod Grams.

Longtime Republican donors Stanley Hubbard and Tom Rosen are mounting a campaign of their own this year. The broadcasting magnate and beef processing CEO are trying to get a vast and complicated web of GOP donors, operatives and activists to march in step when it comes to the 2014 elections.

State Sen. Julianne Ortman is no stranger to tough electoral fights with other Republicans. She began her political career in 2000, when she was elected Carver County Commissioner, facing a five-way primary initially to get on the ballot. After the 2002 redistricting maps dropped, Ortman saw an opportunity for a newly open Senate seat, ultimately winning a GOP primary by a scant 2 points.

Ritchie, 61, said in a statement that stepping aside had been a "difficult decision" to make, and that he had arrived at his choice after consulting with family members.

McFadden, an executive at the Lazard Middle Market finance firm, announced his plans in a YouTube video on Wednesday afternoon. McFadden is a first-time statewide candidate and the only Republican so far to announce plans to run against Franken, who is completing his first term in office.

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 Commission on Judicial Selection recommended two judges and an attorney to the governor on Tuesday, including Court of Appeals judges Edward Cleary and Natalie Hudson, and Minneap0lis attorney and litigator David Lillehaug. Dayton must fill the seat currently occupied by Justice Paul Anderson, who is retiring at the end of May.