After DFL Gov.-elect Mark Dayton and a new cast of GOP legislators are sworn in next week, the partisan lines at the Capitol will be clear enough. But in a year marked by an unprecedented general fund deficit and a large freshman class of lawmakers, some lines are already being drawn on the basis of geography rather than political affiliation.

The House GOP has filled out its leadership ranks by naming a majority whip and four assistant majority leaders.

Via Minnesota Democrats Exposed, this Local/State Brief from the Marshall Independent searching for candidates in SD 21. Not exactly a tale of "top recruits shying away," as MDE puts it, but certainly a picture of Legislative races in districts that aren't up for grabs.